Download Everyday Tips to Keep Your Joints Healthy

Smart Health
Great care is right here.
Check out
our new and
improved website
Page 3
Longtime
volunteer Dottie
Stahl was
honored with
an endowment
in her name
Page 6
Van Wert County Hospital Association
1250 S. Washington St.
Van Wert, OH 45891
Spring 2013
Welcome two
new physicians
to the team
Page 4
Ahhh-choo!
We shed some
light on five
seasonal allergy
myths Page 8
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PAID
Smart Health
Everyday Tips to Keep Your Joints Healthy
Learn how orthopedic care has improved the lives of
people like you—near you—with an interactive map
to find patient stories by age, region and condition.
Page 7
recipe
Small Doses
Zesty Raspberry
Frozen Yogurt
This luscious raspberry dessert supplies
protein along with dietary fiber. The berries
are also a good source of disease-fighting
antioxidants.
Ingredients: 1 c. fat-free vanilla
Greek-style yogurt • 1⁄3 c. honey
⁄ c. low-fat milk • 1 tsp. grated lemon
zest • 1 c. fresh raspberries, mashed
• 13
What Are You Doing About ...
Getting Screened for
Prostate Cancer?
Every man is at risk for prostate cancer, whether it runs
in his family or not. The good news is that men can
protect themselves from the disease with screenings.
Directions: Beat yogurt and
honey together in large bowl. • Stir in
milk, lemon zest and raspberries. If
mixture isn’t cold, refrigerate 1 hour.
• Process in ice cream machine,
according to manufacturer’s directions; serve immediately.
Makes 4 (½-cup) servings.
Nutritional information per
serving: 152 calories; 0.6 g total fat;
6.4 g protein; 32 g carbohydrates;
1.65 mg cholesterol; 36 mg sodium;
2 g dietary fiber.
Thinking About It
Men have a one-in-six risk of developing prostate cancer in their lifetime, according to the
American Cancer Society, but the risk of dying
from it is much less, a one-in-36 chance.
That, at least in part, has to do with high rates
of early detection.
how to
Manage Menopause
Symptoms Naturally
Worried About It
Two types of screenings are available to detect
prostate cancer. The prostate-specific antigen
(PSA) test is a simple blood test, while the
digital rectal exam involves a doctor feeling the
prostate for lumps or hard areas.
Annoying. Uncomfortable. Embarrassing. And
those are some of the nicer words that describe the
hot flashes and night sweats that commonly go along
with menopause. Many women seek relief, but a lot
of them would rather tough it out than deal with
Ignoring It
potential side effects and consequences of hormone
It’s normal as a man ages for the prostate
gland to enlarge and cause symptoms such as
a weak urine stream, urgency or incontinence,
and frequent urination. But these symptoms
also could signal prostate cancer, and so it’s
important to get screened.
therapy. So would you jump at the chance to alleviate
your symptoms of menopause naturally with zero
risk or side effects? Now you might be able to—with
good old diet and exercise.
If we haven’t lost you yet, hear us out. A recent
study published in the journal Menopause found that
losing weight by exercising and eating a low-fat diet
rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains helps lessen
Acting On It
The American Cancer Society recommends
talking to your doctor about prostate cancer
screening at age 50 for men at average risk or
as early as 40 for men at high risk. For more
on screening, visit cancer.org and search
“testing for prostate cancer” in quotes.
2 SPRING 2013 • vanwerthospital.org
or eliminate hot flashes and night sweats. How does
Download a Menopause
Calendar Today
Menopause is confirmed one year after
your last period. To keep track of your
cycle, visit menopause.org and
search “calendar.”
it work? Some researchers believe it’s simple science.
Fat tends to retain heat better than lean body mass,
so less fat equals fewer hot flashes. Study participants
who lost at least 10 pounds over a year were more
likely to have no or fewer hot flashes and night sweats
than women who maintained their weight.
Small Doses
New and Improved
Van Wert County Hospital and Van Wert Medical Services are
pleased to announce the launch of our freshly updated websites. The new sites provide a more comprehensive source of
need to know
keep tabs on
information and services. Now you can meet our physicians,
stay up to date with current news and events, learn more about
our services and much more. Check out our new look by visiting
vanwerthospital.org.
How to Avoid
Food Safety
Mistakes
Cooking for your family is a big responsibility. Avoid these top mistakes when it
comes to food safety.
Mistake: To find out if a food is
still safe to eat, you taste it.
Never taste food that has a potential of
being spoiled. Not only is the method inaccurate, but eating even a small amount
of contaminated food can make you sick.
Mistake: You thaw food on
the counter.
Always thaw food in the refrigerator, in
cold water or in the microwave.
Mistake: Rinsing meat or poultry.
It’s unnecessary to rinse meat and poultry
before cooking—doing so spreads raw meat
juices in your sink and on countertops.
Mistake: Cooling leftovers on
the counter before refrigerating.
Bacteria can grow on food within
two hours of cooking, so refrigerate
leftovers soon after eating.
Source: foodsafety.gov
Get Up-to-Date
Information
on Food Safety
Follow foodsafety.gov on Twitter,
@foodsafetygov, to get daily tips
and information about food recalls.
vanwerthospital.org • Spring 2013 3
A Warm...
Van Wert is happy to introduce two new physicians
Carrie Huber, MD
Van Wert Medical Services
is pleased to welcome
Carrie Huber, MD, a doctor
with a focus on overall wellness for women. Her clinical interests and expertise
include specialized areas of
obstetrics and gynecology
for women from adolescence through adulthood.
She assists patients with
general Ob-Gyn exams,
infertility evaluation and
treatment, sexual dysfuncCarrie Huber, MD
tion, menopause management and post-menopausal
care. In addition, she offers comprehensive obstetric care
and performs minimally invasive surgeries to treat conditions such as abnormal uterine bleeding or ovarian cysts.
Dr. Huber will be joining Shane Gerber, C.N.P. in suite
102 of the Van Wert Health Center. She will also be seeing patients weekly at Dr. Sell’s office in Rockford at 506 S.
Main St.
Dr. Huber received her Doctor of Medicine from the
University of Louisville’s School of Medicine in Kentucky
and completed her obstetrics and gynecology residency
at TriHealth/Good Samaritan Hospital in Cincinnati. Dr.
Huber served as the Department Head and Staff Physician
for the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the
Tenwek Mission Hospital and World Medical Mission in
Bomet, Kenya, East Africa. She is a member of the Christian
Medical and Dental Association, American College of
Obstetrics and Gynecology, and the American Medical
Association. She is fluent in Spanish.
“I enjoyed growing up in a small community in
Kentucky. I wanted to become established in a small, growing community, much like home, where I could have the
opportunity to genuinely know my patients and make a difference in women’s healthcare. Van Wert County more than
met my expectations and I am pleased to be serving this
community,” Dr. Huber says.
Find Your Dr. Right
Need a new physician? Carrie Huber, MD, is now accepting new patients. To schedule an appointment with
Dr. Huber, call 419-238-3047.
4 SPRING 2013 • vanwerthospital.org
Ziad Khatib, MD
Ziad Khatib, MD
Internal medicine physician
Ziad Khatib, MD, who specializes in comprehensive
medical care for adults,
recently joined the Van Wert
Medical Services team.
Dr. Khatib will be joining Scott Jarvis, MD, and
Certified Nurse Practitioner
Chris Ulrich in suite 105 of
the Van Wert Health Center,
just across the street from
the hospital at 140 Fox Road
in Van Wert. Dr. Khatib will
also be managing the care
of hospitalized patients at
Van Wert County Hospital.
Dr. Khatib completed his doctor of medicine and internal medicine residency at the University of Jordan and the
University Hospital of Jordan, respectively. He completed
his postgraduate medical training at the State University of
New York in Buffalo, New York and he is board certified by
the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM).
Prior to joining Van Wert Medical Services, Dr. Khatib
served as the chief medical officer for Electronic Health
Solutions. He was also chair of the Department of Medicine
for both Prince Hamza Hospital as well as Hashemite
University, and served as medical director for North Buffalo
Medical Park, Herle Elmwood Medical Center and Gates
Circle Health. A 16-year veteran of the medical profession,
Dr. Khatib practiced medicine in both Buffalo, New York and
Amman, Jordan. •
The Doctor Will See
You Now
When patients are in need of superior healthcare they
turn to the professionals at Van Wert Medical Services.
Dr. Khatib is now accepting new patients. To schedule
an appointment, call 419-238-7727.
Welcome
vanwerthospital.org • Spring 2013 5
Leaving
a Legacy
Friends create an endowment
fund to honor Dottie Stahl
F
Friends and colleagues of Dottie Stahl have established a $5,000 endowment fund in her honor.
Stahl retired in July of 2011 after serving as the
American Red Cross Volunteer Coordinator at Van
Wert County Hospital for more than 20 years.
“Dottie Stahl put forth tireless efforts in the
development of the Van Wert County Hospital
Red Cross Volunteer Program,” says Mark Minick,
Van Wert County Hospital President/CEO. “The
new fund honors Dottie by ensuring that Van
Wert County Hospital can build on her legacy.
We believe this type of recognition is the most
fitting way to acknowledge Dottie’s persevering work and contributions to our patients, staff
and community”
The principal of the Dottie Stahl Endowment
Fund will never be spent. Only the interest
income from the principle will be used by the hospital, thus creating a perpetual “living memorial”
to Dottie.
“Assisted by Dottie’s leadership, this group
expanded from providing blood transportation
to offering patient assistance services, courier
services and many other services throughout the
hospital. This fund is a testament to the number
of individuals touched by Dottie’s passion and
devotion for volunteerism,” Minick says. •
Ready to Give
Back?
Mark Minick, Van Wert County Hospital President/CEO, alongside Mike Holliday, Vice
President of Fiscal and Administrative Services, presents a commemorative clock to
longtime volunteer Dottie Stahl.
6 SPRING 2013 • vanwerthospital.org
The Dottie Stahl Endowment Fund
is continuing to grow, and additional
contributions are welcome. For
further information on participating
in the fund, contact Amy Rode,
Director of Community Relations,
at 419-238-8623 or arode@
vanwerthospital.org.
Joint
Solutions
Everyday tips to keep
your bendy parts healthy
When we’re young, we take
our joints for granted—running,
jumping, reaching and climbing
with wild abandon. It’s not until
we’re older or face an injury
that we realize what our joints
do for us, and why protecting
them matters. Here, we answer
common joint health questions
to help keep yours jumping.
• By Allison Thomas
Q
&
A
What can you
do to protect
your joints?
It’s all about keeping your joints moving, according
to Taizoon Baxamusa, M.D., a spokesman for the
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.
“When patients come to us, their problems can
run from something as minor as an exacerbation of
arthritis to something as major as a motor vehicle
accident. But the basic principle is the same: to get the
person up and moving,” he says.
Because being immobile can lead to stiffness even
in normal joints, exercise is key. Aerobic activity such
as brisk walking helps with weight loss, which lessens
stress on your joints. Baxamusa also recommends
strength training, which aids your muscles in stabilizing
your joints, and he suggests low-impact activities such
as yoga and tai chi as well—especially for older people.
“They not only keep the joint in a full arc of motion
but also enable some weight-bearing movement,
which will help strengthen or tone the muscles around
the joints.”
When should
you seek help
for joint pain
versus treating
it yourself?
If your joint hasn’t experienced trauma or a severe
injury, mild to moderate aches and pains can be managed through the tried-and-true RICE principle: rest,
ice, compression and elevation. This regimen can be
accompanied by over-the-counter anti-inflammatory
and pain medications as well.
“But if your symptoms persist for more than a
week or so, or you have a sudden spike in pain, it may
be time to see your family physician or an orthopedic
surgeon if you have one,” Baxamusa says.
Minor pain or injuries are usually easy to recognize, but knowing when to seek help for more serious
yet not life-threatening issues can be tricky. There
are signs to look for such as “a sudden, forceful injury
where you feel a crack, snap or pop,” Baxamusa says,
“or if you experience severe swelling, bruising, a pronounced limp or asymmetry in a body part.”
How do you know
if joint surgery
makes sense
for you?
If conservative approaches such as weight loss, physical therapy or medications have failed to provide relief
and keep you mobile, you may want to ponder surgical
options, including joint replacement. At this point, the
most important thing is to do your homework: Research
the procedure you’re considering, ask your doctor questions and educate yourself. Most joint replacement
programs offer educational sessions for patients considering surgery such as knee replacement, Baxamusa
says. This allows you to learn the specifics ahead of
time, so there are no surprises.
“You’ll learn what to expect, from when the stitches
come out to how long rehab will take. And you can talk
to other patients about their experiences,” he says.
Read Stories of People Like You with Joint Pain
Learn how orthopedic care has improved the lives of people like you—near you.
Use the interactive map on the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons’ website at
anationinmotion.org to read patient stories by age, region and condition.
vanwerthospital.org • Spring 2013 7
The Essential Five
Ahhh-Choo!
We shed some light on five
seasonal allergy myths
Many myths swirl around
the topic of seasonal allergies. Here are five we’d like
to set straight.
Have you ever
heard people say
1. Only flowers,
not grass or weeds,
cause allergies.
they can’t mow
the lawn because
they’re allergic
to cut grass? Did
✿ ✾
❀✽❁
you automatically
assume they were
fibbing and really
allergic to manual
labor instead?
You’re not alone.
This one is false.
“Ornamental flowers, like
all pollen-bearing plants,
certainly are a major contributor to allergy symptoms.
But weeds have flowers,
too,” says Rick Madden,
M.D., family practice physician and a member of
the board of directors of
the American Academy of
Family Physicians. Grass
and weeds contain pollen, and are most potent
between late May and midJuly. Tree pollen, on the
other hand, will hit the air
mainly from late April into
May. Wind and humidity
can make symptoms worse.
2. If you’ve never
had allergies, you
never will.
“Not true,” Madden says.
“The most common onset
of seasonal allergies is
in the teens and 30s. But
they can start at any age.”
An allergy is, quite simply,
when the body’s immune
system overreacts to any
number of substances,
which are called allergens.
Seasonal allergies cause
symptoms such as runny
nose, sneezing, itchiness
and watery eyes. Food and
medicine allergies can
cause serious reactions that
may be life-threatening.
3. You don’t need
to take allergy
medication until you
notice symptoms.
antihistamine, before the
allergy season or exposure
hits,” Madden says.
4. Hay causes hay
fever.
This is a bit of a misnomer,
says the doctor. While hay
can, in fact, cause allergy
symptoms because it’s a
plant, many other things
also cause hay fever, which
is just another name for
seasonal allergies. Also,
there is no fever associated
with allergies.
Also false. “It’s best to
begin allergy medicine,
such as an over-the-counter
5. Allergy shots
contain the very thing
you’re allergic to.
This one is true. Though it
sounds a little ludicrous, it
actually makes sense. The
allergen in a shot, such
as grass pollen or ragweed,
stimulates your immune
system to create antibodies
to fight the allergen. Then,
over time when you and this
allergen meet, these new
antibodies will help to block
it, resulting in less severe
symptoms. This form of
immunotherapy isn’t a cureall for all allergies, so ask
your doctor if it’s right for
you. • By Amanda Myers
Get Allergy Twitter Tips!
Follow the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America
on Twitter, @AAFANational, for tips and tricks
specifically for allergy sufferers.
Amy Rode, Patient and Community Relations Director, 419-238-8623
SmartHealth is published as a service to our friends and neighbors by McMurry/
TMG, LLC for Van Wert County Hospital. Material in SmartHealth is obtained from
a wide range of medical scientists and healthcare authorities. If you have any concerns about specific items that appear in SmartHealth, consult your personal physician about their effects on your health. To stop receiving SmartHealth, call Van Wert
8 SPRING 2013 • vanwerthospital.org
County Hospital at 419-238-2390. EDITOR: ELLEN OLSON; Art Director:
MAGGIE CONNERS; PROD. TECH. Specialist:
Sonia
Washington;
Production
Manager: TANYA CLARK © 2013 McMurry/
TMG, LLC Volume 7, Number 3. 79