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Your Health Rx | Volume 1 Issue 1
Your Health Rx |
2 Journey Towards a Healthier Future
3 Patient Perspective
Patient and Family Centered Care
4 WHS Spotlight
5 Ask the Expert
6 Smart Choices in Restaurants
Knee Replacement
7 Women and Strength Training
8 Weight Loss... and You!
www.whs.org
Journey Towards
a Healthier Future
As health care has transformed over
the last several decades, so has The
Washington Hospital. Founded in 1897,
the hospital mainly provided overnight
care for inpatients.
Today, Washington
Health System has become more focused
on outpatient, preventive and post-acute
care. Washington Health System provides
services such as the Washington Physicians
Group, a multi-specialty practice with 25
locations; the Wilfred R. Cameron Wellness
Center for preventative and wellness care;
Greenbriar Treatment Center for chemical
dependency rehab; hospice care for postacute treatment; and many other outpatient
and physician services at more than 40
locations throughout Washington, Greene
and Allegheny counties.
Patients and their families don’t want fragmented care. They want care that is integrated,
where they don’t fall through the cracks. And that’s really the challenge and the benefit
of building a health care system. Washington Health System wants to partner with each
individual and family in order to help patients move seamlessly from one part of the system
to another without delay and with full information exchange.
-Gary Weinstein, President and CEO
2 Your Health Rx | Volume 1 Issue 1
Patient Perspective
The Story of Linda McNeely
Linda McNeely was referred to the Washington Health
System by her family doctor. “I started to see Dr. Marks
because of an infection in my toe, I know to keep an eye
on my feet because I am a diabetic,” she says.
When Linda’s foot became infected again a year and a
half later, she was worried that she would have to have
the entire foot amputated. “I woke up with a missing
toe but he saved my foot, I am forever thankful,” she
says of Dr. Marks. “I am so incredibly lucky to have been
recommended to the Washington Health System and Dr.
Marks, I truly believe that he changed my life.”
Linda’s recovery went very well, which she credits to
Dr. Marks and the staff of nurses and specialists who
worked together to facilitate her recovery. “I have been
recommending Washington Health System and I will
continue to do so. The community of Washington is so
lucky to have such a great health care center in the
area with exceptional doctors and nurses. I cannot
express how happy I am.”
~ Linda McNeely
To schedule an appointment, please call 724-222-5635
or visit www.whsdocs.org.
I cannot express
how happy I am.
Patient and Family Centered Care
Patient and Family Centered Care is a partnership with patients and families to ensure
that the highest quality care is provided. In this partnership, patients, family members,
and community members help us improve the healthcare experience by shaping policies,
programs, facility design, and daily interactions.
We are currently looking for people to serve as Patient and Family Centered Care Advisors.
Complete an application or get more information at www.whs.org.
To ensure the highest quality care is provided.
Your Health Rx | Volume 1 Issue 1 3
WHS SPOTLIGHT
Restoring Confidence through InterStim Therapy
Over 30 million Americans suffer from overactive bladder
(OAB). OAB not only can affect one’s physical activity
and self-esteem, but also can limit participation in normal
activities.
For those who are struggling with OAB and believe that
they have to live with the problem, or for those who have
tried conventional medication without relief, InterStim
Therapy may be a life-changing solution.
OAB results when the sacral nerves near the tailbone are
not communicating properly with the brain. These nerves
normally communicate with the bladder and its surrounding
muscles telling it to function properly. Error in this process
results in difficulty storing urine.
The proven method called InterStim Therapy targets the
sacral nerves through an implant that sends continuous,
mild electrical pulses, stimulating communication with the
brain.
InterStim Therapy has helped over 100,000 patients return
to their normal daily activities and WHS is playing its part in
restoring confidence through this therapy.
Dr. Malay Sheth, OB-GYN, has seen his patients’
lives restored, now able to enjoy a normal lifestyle
after receiving the implant. “I want my patients
to know that this is not something they have
to live with…there is a life-changing solution
available,” said Dr. Sheth.
“Karen Sworden was one of my patients who
had been experiencing overactive bladder
symptoms for years and I found that she
was a candidate for InterStim,” said
Dr. Sheth. Karen explains, “I never
dreamed that a solution was out
there. After having the implant for
four years, my life is dramatically
changed! I am now able to fully
enjoy my grandkids and live the
active lifestyle that I always had
before.”
Dr. Jason Smith, Urologist at WHS,
has also been treating his patients
with InterStim Therapy. “My patient,
Caroline, struggled for a long time with
4 Your Health Rx | Volume 1 Issue 1
OAB. She had been on three different types of medication
before she came to see me and was frustrated because
nothing seemed to help,” said Dr. Smith.
After being referred to Dr. Smith for InterStim, Caroline was
finally relieved of the burden that had been plaguing her for
years.
Caroline explains, “InterStim has been a godsend… I can
now go shopping and go out in public without worrying
about being embarrassed.”
Just like these patients, you can take the first step towards
a normal lifestyle by talking with a physician. OAB is an
extremely common condition with a life-changing solution.
For more information on OAB and InterStim Therapy or to
schedule an appointment, please visit www.whsdocs.org
or call one of the WHS offices:
WHS OBGYN Associates at 724.225. 3640
WHS Urology Specialists at 724. 222.8871
Ask The Expert
Dr. Jim Marks
Bunions are a complex deformity, resulting when the big toe
points towards the second toe and results in inflammation of the
tissue surrounding the joint.
Q
What are the most common causes of bunions?
A
Some common causes of bunions are the prolonged
wearing of poorly fitting shoes, genetic factors that are
exacerbated by shoe use, and arthritis or trauma.
Q
How do you know when you need bunion surgery?
A
Bunion surgery is recommended when pain from the
bunion prevents a patient from wearing normal shoes and
performing normal daily activities. If you are considering
bunion surgery, make sure you fit the following criteria:
• Pain is present and it is limiting your ability to do the
things you like, love, or have to do.
• You have tried conservative treatments without relief.
• You have realistic expectations about surgery results.
Q
What should I expect when undergoing bunion
surgery?
A
The most frequent procedure to correct bunions is an
osteotomy, or a controlled cut of the first metatarsal bone.
Most bunion surgeries take between six and twelve
weeks for recovery, and often include time on crutches
and in surgical shoes or camwalker boots. Most patients
only require narcotic pain medication for a few days after
surgery and then use anti-inflammatories to control their
discomfort and swelling.
If you are suffering from bunion pain, talk with your primary care
physician about a referral to Washington Health System
Foot and Ankle Specialists or schedule an appointment at one
of our convenient locations by calling 724-222-5635 or go to
www.whsdocs.org.
New patients are welcome.
Your Health Rx | Volume 1 Issue 1 5
APPLE A DAY
A Guide to Making Smart Choices in Restaurants
By Jacqueline Ely, RD, LDN, nutritional counselor, Wilfred R. Cameron Wellness Center of Washington Health System
Many restaurants and fast-food establishments are now
providing customers with nutrition information on their
products. How many people really study this information
prior to making a decision? Take advantage of the wealth
of information prior to making your selections, and you’ll
know what you are indulging in and be more accountable
for your actions. This will help you make better decisions
that will impact your health and your waistline!
Use these general guidelines to help determine if a food
item is a healthy choice.
Recommended Intake for 2000-Calorie Daily Diet
Total fat - Less than 65g
Saturated fat - Less than 20g
Cholesterol - Less than 300mg
Sodium - Less than 2,400mg
Total carbohydrate - 300mg
Dietary Fiber - 25g
Check out some common foods and what they offer:
Panera Smoked Ham and Swiss
700 calories
10g saturated fat (half the recommended daily intake)
2,350mg sodium
Better choice – Half sandwich and a half salad
McDonald’s Frappe Mocha (small)
450 calories
20g fat
13g saturated fat
1g trans fat
56g sugar (56g of sugar looks like 14 teaspoons of
sugar if you measured it out)
Better choice – Iced latte with sugar-free syrup
Your Body, Your Health
I have been told I need a knee replacement…What is it?
By Allan Tissenbaum, M.D., Washington Health System Orthopedics and Sports Medicine
Knee replacement surgery is a surgical procedure performed to replace worn
out cartilage. Cartilage can be worn out from overuse, trauma, or as a result of
previous surgery. Before considering knee replacement, a person should try
conservative therapy, including medications, knee injections, weight loss and/or
physical therapy.
In a full knee replacement, the surgeon will replace the worn out cartilage with a
prosthetic knee made of metal and plastic. The metal parts sit on the bottom of
the femur and the top of the tibia (these are the two major leg bones). Depending
on what part of the knee is worn, a surgeon may elect to only replace the worn
out part and leave parts of the knee alone. Partial knee replacements tend to
function better and have a quicker recovery.
The goal of any replacement surgery is to restore function, decrease pain, and
enable patients to lead a more normal and fuller life.
6 Your Health Rx | Volume 1 Issue 1
Washington Health System
Orthopedics and Sports Medicine
Building One, Suite 202
95 Leonard Avenue
Washington, PA 15301
724-206-0610
Get Your Lift On!
By Rebecca Feist, MA
Fitness Operations Director Wilfred R. Cameron Wellness Center of
Washington Health System
I often hear women say, “I only have 30 minutes to work
out so I am just going to do cardio.” Big mistake!
Cardiovascular exercise is necessary to maintain heart
health, however, smart women will spend an equal
amount of time on strength training as well. For women,
strength training benefits include increased bone density,
increased metabolism, strong ligaments and tendons, and
increased quality of life. When strength training, there is
an applied force on the tendons, and this stimulates bone
growth as well as supports the joints. In addition, women
wishing to lose fat will do so more easily if they strength
train. By participating in a regular strength training
program and lifting heavy enough weight, muscle fibers
will increase, and as a result will gain more energy. That
means a faster metabolism!
It’s important to address the statement that makes
exercise physiologists cringe each time they hear it from
their female clients: “I don’t want to lift too heavy because
it makes me bulky.” This is absolutely and unequivocally
NOT true. Women simply do not have high enough
amounts of certain hormones or the right bone structure
to build big bulky muscles. This myth has contributed
to many women choosing to lift very light weights, but
in order for a muscle to build and change, it must be
challenged to do more than is comfortable, so it needs to
adapt. When strength training, women should lift a weight
that fatigues the muscle in 8 to 12 repetitions.
With consistency and the right amount of weight, women
may see benefits from as little as 20 minutes per day.
The best way to get started on a program to assure
proper form and a well-rounded routine is to meet with an
exercise physiologist. Go ahead ladies – Get Your Lift On!
For more information on weightlifting or to schedule a personal
training session, please call the Wilfred R. Cameron Wellness
Center at 724-250-5228 or visit www.wrcameronwellness.org.
Your Health Rx | Volume 1 Issue 1 7
155 Wilson Avenue
Washington, PA 15301
(724) 225-7000
www.whs.org
Visit us on the web at www.whs.org or “Like” us on www.facebook.com/washingtonhealthsystem.
Your Health Rx |
is a publication of Washington Health System. The articles are for informational purposes and
should not be used as medical advise. Consult your personal physician for any health related issues.
Weight Loss…and You!
There is HOPE for success
Losing weight is a challenge for many, but there are new treatments and procedures,
both non-surgical and surgical, to help fight the battle. A common term used in reference
to weight loss is BMI. What is BMI? How is this magical number created and why is it
so important? BMI stands for Body Mass Index and is a measure of body fat based on
height and weight that applies to both men and women. It is important because it acts
as an indicator of overall health. If your BMI is high, you may have an increased risk of
developing certain diseases including: high blood pressure, osteoarthritis (degeneration
of cartilage and its underlying bone within a joint), high total cholesterol or high levels of
triglycerides, type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, stroke, gallbladder disease, sleep
apnea and respiratory problems, and endometrial, breast and colon cancers.
There are always exceptions, such as athletes or body
builders, but the normal adult BMI range is 18.5 – 24.9.
WEIGHT in pounds
X
704
If your BMI is 40 or more, you are more than 100 pounds
HEIGHT in inches2
overweight or you have a high BMI with ‘comorbidities’
(such as diabetes, heart disease, high cholesterol, sleep apnea, high blood pressure or
physical conditions relating to obesity) , you may be a candidate for a range of surgical
procedures used to help manage weight loss.
BMI Formula
Dr. Geoffrey Wilcox and Dr. Michael Felix
are excited to bring the Hope Bariatrics
Center of Excellence to Washington
Health System.
For more information or to make an
appointment, visit Hope Bariatrics at
www.hopebariatrics.com
or call 724-741-8862.
To find out if you are a candidate for surgical weight loss treatment, seminars are held on
the first Wednesday of every month at:
Washington Health System Wilfred R. Cameron Wellness Center
240 Wellness Way, Washington, PA 15301
Conference Rooms A & B at 11:30 a.m.
724-250-5228
(July 3, Aug. 7, Sept. 4, Oct. 2, Nov. 6, Dec. 4)