Download Summer 2015 - Commonwealth Health

GOOD SPORTS:
A Joint
Venture
HOME IS WHERE
THE HEART
CARE IS
STOPPING
SUMMER
SNEEZES
5
6
Neurosurgical Care in Your Backyard
When Minutes Matter
3
Bringing Back the Smiles
Building Something Special
Simplifying Concussion Care
4
Delivering More at Moses Taylor Hospital
Enhanced Imaging Services
6
12
15
This publication in no way seeks to serve as a substitute
for professional medical care. Consult your doctor
before undertaking any form of medical treatment or
adopting any exercise program or dietary guidelines.
TO SUBSCRIBE OR UNSUBSCRIBE, CONTACT US:
The Waterfront Complex, 670 N. River St., Suite 205, Plains, PA 18705
2 | CommonwealthHealth.net
what’s
inside
5
Don’t Feel the Burn
7
Staying in the Game
8
CHOICES for Complex
Addiction Treatment
Numbing by the Numbers
10
The Beat Goes On
Is It an Electrical Problem?
11
A Look Inside
On-Call Cancer Care
12
A Fleet That Saves Lives
ER or Not?
13
Put Your Electronics, and Yourself, to Bed
Do You Have a Sleep Disorder?
14
School’s Out! (And So Is Pollen)
Allergies or a Cold?
15
When
Minutes Matter
Neurosurgical
Care in Your
Backyard
PENN STATE HERSHEY NEUROSCIENCE INSTITUTE SPECIALISTS ARE
PROVIDING ADVANCED SERVICES TO PATIENTS IN NORTHEASTERN
PENNSYLVANIA.
F
OR PATIENTS WHO need neurological treatment, access to comprehensive care can make
all the difference. Thanks to a partnership between Commonwealth Health and Penn State
Hershey Neuroscience Institute, patients at Regional Hospital of Scranton and Wilkes-Barre
General Hospital have access to additional neurosurgeons in a variety of subspecialties.
With a multidisciplinary approach and a commitment to the highest standards of care, these
specialists work closely with onsite neurosurgeons to find the best options for patients, including
treatment for:
»» aneurysms
»» peripheral nerve conditions
»» spinal disorders
»» stroke
»» tumors
“This partnership allows the community access to the same level of neurosurgical care you would
expect at a university center,” said Carlo de Luna, M.D., neurosurgeon with Penn State Hershey
Neurosurgery at Wyoming Valley. “We cover all major neurosurgical services, and we’re local to the
community. All of our clinical and surgical cases are in the Scranton and Wilkes-Barre communities.”
For more information about the neuroscience alliance with Penn State Hershey, visit
CommonwealthHealth.net and search for “Hershey.”
Dr. de Luna is an independent member of the medical staffs at Moses Taylor Hospital, Regional Hospital of Scranton and Wilkes-Barre General Hospital.
CONNECT WITH US!
IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU LOVE
EXHIBITS SIGNS OF HEART
ATTACK, CALL 911 AND ASK TO
BE TAKEN TO AN ACCREDITED
CHEST PAIN CENTER.
E
VERY YEAR, MORE than 5 million
Americans visit the hospital with chest
pain, according to the American Heart
Association. Proper, prompt care during a heart
attack is critical to preserve muscle. That’s why the
Society for Cardiovascular Patient Care works with
hospitals like Tyler Memorial Hospital to provide
evaluation and improvement of chest pain care.
Tyler is now an Accredited Chest Pain Center.
As such, the hospital meets or exceeds standards
in many aspects of patient care, including:
»» time from arrival at the facility to diagnosis
and treatment
»» how quickly patients are treated in the event
of a heart attack
»» how patient health proceeds after leaving
the facility
“Although a smaller hospital, Tyler can
provide the same level of care available at
larger institutions,” said Samir Pancholy, M.D.,
cardiologist on the medical staff at Tyler. “Our
status as an Accredited Chest Pain Center tells
patients they will receive the latest, evidencebased care, and that the facility has passed the
benchmark for best practices.”
To learn more about how we care for your
heart, visit CommonwealthHealth.net and
search for “Cardiac Care.”
Dr. Pancholy is a member of the medical staffs at Tyler Memorial Hospital,
Regional Hospital of Scranton and Moses Taylor Hospital.
QUALITY CARE IS JUST A CLICK OR PHONE CALL AWAY. FIND A DOCTOR –1-800-838-9355 (WELL) OR COMMONWEALTHHEALTH.NET.
Regional, Tyler and Wilkes-Barre hospitals are Accredited Chest Pain Centers. Cardiac services are offered at:
BERWICK HOSPITAL
CENTER
MOSES TAYLOR
HOSPITAL
REGIONAL HOSPITAL
OF SCRANTON
TYLER MEMORIAL
HOSPITAL
WILKES-BARRE
GENERAL HOSPITAL
701 East 16th St.
Berwick, PA
(570) 759-5000
700 Quincy Ave.
Scranton, PA
(570) 770-5000
746 Jefferson Ave.
Scranton, PA
(570) 348-7100
5950 State Route 6
Tunkhannock, PA
(570) 836-2161
575 N. River St.
Wilkes-Barre, PA
(570) 829-8111
CommonwealthHealth.net | 3
Bringing
Back the
Smiles
WHEN BRITTANY AND GEORGE MARCINKEVICH’S NORMALLY HAPPY, PLAYFUL YOUNG SON TYLER
TURNED INTO A LETHARGIC, DISINTERESTED SHADOW OF HIMSELF, THE COUPLE KNEW THE ILLNESS
HE WAS FIGHTING WAS SERIOUS.
I
N EARLY FEBRUARY 2015, Tyler battled an upper respiratory
infection and double ear infections for a week. Antibiotics
prescribed by his pediatrician weren’t enough to send the
7-month-old’s infections packing.
“One Tuesday morning, we could tell Tyler wasn’t himself at all,”
George said. “He is usually active and always smiling, but that morning,
he didn’t want anything and didn’t move around much.”
When the Dunmore couple took Tyler to his pediatrician’s office,
the doctor recommended Tyler be taken to Moses Taylor Hospital and
admitted.
“Both George and I broke down upon hearing that, and he’s the
tough one in the family,” Brittany said. “We were so concerned for Tyler.
We didn’t know what was going to happen.”
BYE-BYE, BUG
When the Marcinkeviches arrived at Moses Taylor, Tyler was whisked
directly to the pediatric unit so treatment could begin. He received
supplemental oxygen to improve his low blood-oxygen levels, as well
as twice-a-day antibiotic shots in each thigh for three days. Brittany and
George stayed with Tyler around the clock. On Wednesday night, the
couple began to see their son’s personality return.
The Marcinkeviches went home the next morning, two days after
Tyler was admitted. Now nearing his first birthday, Tyler is doing fine
and is a ball of energy.
“Tyler’s hospitalization was difficult for us, but the nurses at Moses
Taylor Hospital became our friends and made us feel at home,”
George says. “We were touched when each of them gave Tyler a hug
and kiss when we left. They definitely made the experience a lot
better than it might have been.”
No family wants to see a child hospitalized, but if an inpatient
admission is necessary, Moses Taylor Hospital wants patients and
loved ones to be as comfortable as possible. Open since February
2015, our new pediatric unit features 10 private rooms, a play area
and a Ronald McDonald Family Room.
KID-FRIENDLY PEDIATRIC UNIT AT MOSES TAYLOR HOSPITAL
4 | CommonwealthHealth.net
Building Something Special
It has been a big year for children’s health
services at Moses Taylor Hospital.
On the heels of opening its new pediatric unit
in February 2015, Moses Taylor established a
pediatric subspecialty clinic earlier this spring in
partnership with Penn State Hershey Children’s
Hospital. The clinic, located in the Moses Taylor
Medical Arts Building, offers families access
to local, quality inpatient and outpatient
pediatric cardiology and neurology services
backed by the expertise and capabilities of
Penn State Hershey.
Mikhail Mirer, M.D., FAAP, lead pediatric
hospitalist and director of pediatrics at Moses
Taylor, is a pediatric neurologist by training,
and he began the subspecialty initiative by
providing neurology services to hospitalized
children. Currently, he also holds outpatient
clinics twice monthly.
“I care for children with a wide range
of neurological problems, including
developmental delays, headaches, epilepsy
and neurodegenerative disorders,” Dr. Mirer said.
“We offer diagnostic imaging tests at Moses Taylor, including electroencephalography [EEG] and sedated
magnetic resonance imaging. Children who need more extensive workups, such as neurosurgical
consultations or genetic counseling, see our partners at Penn State Hershey.”
A pediatric cardiologist from Penn State Hershey sees outpatients one day per week at Moses Taylor
and is also available for inpatient consultations. Any child with a cardiac anomaly is a candidate to see
the cardiologist. This includes those with suspected arrhythmias, a history of fainting and congenital
heart abnormalities.
Access to local pediatric specialists may benefit a growing number of families with sick children.
While the pediatric subspecialty clinic isn’t complete yet, Dr. Mirer anticipates bringing a pediatric
pulmonologist and a pediatric gastroenterologist to Moses Taylor in the coming months.
Simplifying Concussion Care
Pediatric neurologist Mikhail Mirer, M.D.,
FAAP, lead pediatric hospitalist and director
of pediatrics at Moses Taylor Hospital, is
on a mission to streamline the process of
evaluating children for concussion.
“If a child experiences a suspected
concussion, the typical practice around the
country is for him or her to be referred to
a pediatric neurologist right away, but not
all children who are concussed need to be
seen by a specialist immediately,” Dr. Mirer
said. “At Moses Taylor, we want to train as
many local pediatricians as possible to be
first-line concussion assessors so they can
determine whether a child truly needs
specialty care.”
As part of Moses Taylor’s newly
established Concussion of the Brain
Program, Dr. Mirer visits community
pediatricians, instructs them on how to
evaluate for concussion and provides them
with the ImPACT® Test, a computerized
concussion assessment tool. When a child
experiences a blow to the head, his or her
pediatrician performs the ImPACT Test
and compares the results to the pre-injury
baseline exam, if the athlete completed the
assessment prior to the sports season.
“If there’s minimal suspicion for
concussion, the child abstains from sports
for a week and then repeats the ImPACT
Test; he or she can then return to play if
the results are the same or have improved,”
Dr. Mirer said. “If the patient continues to
be symptomatic, the pediatrician refers
the child to me. Pediatricians can also refer
children after the first assessment if they
think a neurologist’s input is needed.”
Dr. Mirer will finish training local
pediatricians this summer — just in time
for football season.
WHIMSICAL WAITING ROOM AT MOSES TAYLOR HOSPITAL
Dr. Mirer is a member of the medical staff at Moses Taylor Hospital.
CommonwealthHealth.net | 5
Delivering More at Moses Taylor Hospital
T
HE RENOVATION PROJECT started in late
summer 2014 and consists of two phases,
the first of which was finished in May 2015.
New flooring, cosmetic enhancements and new
televisions in each patient room are
among the upgrades.
“Moses Taylor is the only birthing
facility in the county, and we deliver
nearly 3,000 births each year,” said Ron
Ziobro, assistant CEO at Moses Taylor.
“The private rooms are bright, airy,
modern and large enough to
accommodate family needs.”
The nurses’ stations in the mother-baby and labor and delivery units
were renovated to enhance communication between staff members. The
THE OBSTE
TRICS
UNIT AT M
OSES
TAYLOR HO
SPITAL
HAS UNDE
RGONE A
MAKEOVE
R TO PROV
IDE
ADDED CO
MFORT AN
D
ENHANCE
D CARE FO
R
AREA FAM
ILIES.
redesigned triage area
allows for increased
privacy and efficiency
while the relocated
recovery room allows
newly delivered mothers to
recuperate in a quiet, calm environment.
“We offer a patient–centric experience and are always striving
to improve our services,” said Patricia Seliga, chief nursing officer
at Moses Taylor. “The enhancements to our family birthing suites
are a testament to our commitment to care for moms and their
new little ones.”
To learn more about the family birthing suites at Moses
Taylor, visit CommonwealthHealth.net and select “Moses
Taylor Hospital.”
Enhanced Imaging Services
BERWICK HOSPITAL CENTER
HONORS THE PAST AS IT
EMBRACES NEXT-GENERATION
IMAGING SOLUTIONS.
I
N MARCH 2015, the radiography and
fluoroscopy unit at Berwick Hospital Center
was dedicated to the memory of Jim
Ferrigno, M.D., radiologist on the medical staff
with Berwick for 40 years.
“Dr. Ferrigno dedicated his career to making
sure Berwick patients received quality care from
experienced and compassionate technicians,”
said Chad Kramer, COO at Berwick. “The
additions of new equipment and technology
embody his commitment and vision.”
Berwick has expanded its scope of imaging
services with the addition of the Precision 500D
radiography and fluoroscopy unit and a 64-slice
computed tomography (CT) scanner. Patients
may experience quicker procedure times, faster
results and lower doses of radiation from the
high-tech machinery.
“The images we gather are sharp and clear,
and the overall quality is superior,” said Sally
Zaloga, registered radiologist and director of
imaging at Berwick. “We can rule out certain
conditions rapidly and provide our patients with
need-to-know information as soon as possible.
We’re delivering sophisticated care right here
in Berwick.”
For more information, visit CommonwealthHealth.net and search for “Imaging and Radiology.”
6 | CommonwealthHealth.net
Don’t Feel the Burn
“P
IT’S SUMMERTIME — DO YOU KNOW HOW TO PROTECT YOUR SKIN FROM SUN DAMAGE?
ROTECTING SKIN FROM ultraviolet [UV] light,
not only during the summer but year round,
is important for lowering skin cancer risk,” said
Christopher Snyder, D.O., dermatologist on the medical
staff at Berwick Hospital Center. “Approximately 65 percent
of melanoma cases and 90 percent of non-melanoma skin
cancer cases have been linked to ultraviolet light exposure.”
Protecting children from sun damage requires a
customized approach.
“The unique thing about children, especially infants,
is that they have less melanin, the pigment in skin that
gives it its color,” said Kathleen Walsh, M.D., pediatrician on
the medical staffs at Moses Taylor Hospital and Regional
Hospital of Scranton. “Because of this, they’re more likely
than adults to absorb the light and develop conditions,
such as sunburn, blistering, fever or sunstroke.”
SKIN PROTECTION 101
Sunscreen is an important form of skin protection.
Choose one with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or
higher and follow the guidelines for reapplication. Standard
recommendations are every two hours — unless you’ve
been swimming, then reapply immediately after.
Dr. Snyder is a member of the medical
staff at Berwick Hospital Center.
Dr. Walsh is a member of the medical
staffs at Moses Taylor Hospital and
Regional Hospital of Scranton.
“For people with more sensitive skin, we recommend
light, loose-fitting clothing and broad-brimmed hats for sun
protection,” Dr. Snyder said. “Also, avoid the sun during the
peak hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., if possible.”
PREVENTING SUN DAMAGE IN CHILDREN
If an infant must be in the sun, Dr. Walsh recommends
using sunscreen for brief periods of time, as long as
parents remove it quickly so that the infant’s porous skin
does not absorb too much of the product. The Food and
Drug Administration has not approved sunscreen for use
on infants younger than 6 months. Using UVA and UVB
blocking devices, such as clothing and hats, can reduce
your child’s exposure.
“Something we don’t think about is that children are
susceptible to sun damage from birth, so we should
protect them from the very beginning,” Dr. Walsh
said. “Babies should be in the shade when possible or
sheltered by their carriages or strollers.”
To find a dermatologist in your area
who can provide annual skin checks, visit
CommonwealthHealth.net/find-doctor.
“Many people today
are concerned about
protecting skin against
sunburns, and that is
certainly important.
Another factor to
consider, however,
is dehydration,
particularly in
children. Their skin
is so porous that
heatstroke can occur
far more easily, so I
always recommend
that parents focus
on keeping their kids
— and themselves —
hydrated and sun
protected.”
— Kathleen Walsh, M.D.,
pediatrician on the medical
staffs at Moses Taylor
Hospital and Regional
Hospital of Scranton
CommonwealthHealth.net | 7
Staying in the
GAME
WHEN ORTHOPEDIC TROUBLE THREATENS TO STOP PATIENTS FROM LEADING
THE ACTIVE LIVES THEY LOVE, LOCAL SPECIALISTS OFFER RELIEF AND HOPE.
J
OINT AND BONE problems didn’t have
to be game changers for avid golfer Daniel
Sullivan Sr. and local field hockey star Selena
Adamshick thanks to their dedication to staying
active and timely intervention by area doctors.
MAKING THE CUT
A family dentist, Daniel has been caring for the
mouths of his patients for more than 30 years.
His Moscow-based practice — where he works
alongside his son, Daniel Sullivan Jr. — is his
passion, but so are a variety of active pursuits,
including golf.
“I’ve always been active,” Daniel said. “I played
sports in high school and college, used to run and
love to golf. When my left hip started bothering
me before I turned 50, I was surprised.”
To get to the bottom of his pain, Daniel turned
to John Doherty, M.D., orthopedic surgeon on the
medical staff at Regional Hospital of Scranton.
Daniel was no stranger to Dr. Doherty, as the two
attended the same local high school and even
went to College of the Holy Cross in Worcester,
Massachusetts, at the same time. When Dr. Doherty
told Daniel that he needed a new hip, he listened.
8 | CommonwealthHealth.net
“Daniel had osteoarthritis,” Dr. Doherty said. “The
cartilage in his left hip had worn down significantly,
and friction in the joint was causing him a lot
of pain.”
To prepare for surgery, Daniel was prescribed a
series of exercises, asked to attend an educational
pre-operative class and went through a full physical
examination. In 2001, Dr. Doherty performed a
cementless anterior approach total hip replacement
on Daniel, replacing his worn joint with a new one.
Daniel’s recovery was swift. With the help of
physical rehabilitation, he returned home two days
after surgery and was back to work 10 days later. The
experience made a good impression, and when his
right hip began bothering him more than a decade
later, he knew where to turn.
Daniel‘s right hip was replaced by Dr. Doherty in
2013 using a minimally invasive anterior approach.
Today, Daniel enjoys an active life, spending time
with his family, hitting the golf course and working
out at the gym when he isn’t busy taking care of
his patients.
Dr. Doherty credits Daniel’s speedy recovery
in part to the local dentist’s physical fitness and
dedication to being active.
Dr. Doherty is a member of the medical staff at Regional Hospital of Scranton.
“I feel like my injuries set me back
when they occurred, but being
treated by Dr. Banas and having to
work hard to recover has helped me
become a better athlete.”
— Selena Adamshick
JUST THE PUSH SHE NEEDED
Sports have been a way of life for 22-year-old Selena since she was a little girl. She
played soccer, basketball and field hockey at Lake-Lehman High School and dreamed
of being a college athlete.
A sudden twist to her knee during a basketball game her sophomore year left Selena
with a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). The ACL controls the knee’s movement back
and forth, supports the joint’s stability and helps hold the tibia in place. This injury could
have spelled major trouble for Selena if it wasn’t treated properly.
Michael Banas, M.D., orthopedic surgeon on the medical staff at Wilkes-Barre General
Hospital, ordered scans of Selena’s knee to get a full picture of the damage. He also
prescribed a series of strengthening exercises to help prepare her for the surgical repair.
“My family has always gone to General Hospital,” Selena said. “It’s our first pick. The day
of my ACL repair, the staff walked me through and made sure I was ready. It was nice.”
Dr. Banas carefully repaired Selena’s ACL, and she began a course of rehabilitation
and strength training. He stepped in again the next year when the same leg broke
during a soccer game.
“This time I was rushed to the emergency room, but we waited for Dr. Banas before
having surgery,” Selena said. “He put a rod in my leg to stabilize the bone and screws to
hold it in place.”
After her second injury, Selena was as dedicated to rehabilitation as ever, hitting
the gym at school with a trainer regularly to regain her strength. Thanks to Dr. Banas’
intervention and her own determination, Selena went on to live her dream.
She started college playing basketball at California University of Pennsylvania and
then transferred to Saint Francis University in Loretto where she is now a junior playing
midfield for the field hockey team. Selena was rookie of the year her first year at Saint
Francis. She started 15 games during her sophomore season, came in second for the
season in goals and was named one of Atlantic 10’s players of the week.
Learn more about how Commonwealth Health orthopedic doctors help
patients stay active. Visit CommonwealthHealth.net and select “Orthopedic
Center” from the Medical Services menu.
CONNECT WITH US!
“I see patients in my
dental practice who are
in a lot of pain because
of joint problems. Even
though orthopedic
surgery isn’t my area of
specialty, I remind them
that they have options.
They don’t have to live in
pain. I’m proof of that.”
— Daniel Sullivan Sr.
QUALITY CARE IS JUST A CLICK OR PHONE CALL AWAY. FIND A
DOCTOR –1-800-838-9355 (WELL) OR COMMONWEALTHHEALTH.NET.
Orthopedic services are offered at:
BERWICK HOSPITAL
CENTER
MOSES TAYLOR
HOSPITAL
REGIONAL HOSPITAL
OF SCRANTON
TYLER MEMORIAL
HOSPITAL
WILKES-BARRE
GENERAL HOSPITAL
701 East 16th St.
Berwick, PA
(570) 759-5000
700 Quincy Ave.
Scranton, PA
(570) 770-5000
746 Jefferson Ave.
Scranton, PA
(570) 348-7100
5950 State Route 6
Tunkhannock, PA
(570) 836-2161
575 N. River St.
Wilkes-Barre, PA
(570) 829-8111
Dr. Banas is a member of the medical staff at Wilkes-Barre General Hospital.
CommonwealthHealth.net | 9
CHOICES
for Complex Addiction Treatment
TREATING CHEMICAL ABUSE AND DEPENDENCY ISN’T ALWAYS
STRAIGHTFORWARD. THE CHOICES PROGRAM AT FIRST HOSPITAL
IS EXPANDING TO MEET THE NEEDS OF CHEMICAL DEPENDENCY
PATIENTS WHO ALSO HAVE MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES.
N
EARLY 7 MILLION Americans abused drugs and more than 17 million abused alcohol in
2013, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Many
people also experience mental health issues that may have led to, or are the result of, their
chemical dependency. For these patients, having one point of care to treat both issues concurrently
is often the best option.
“When the addiction and psychiatric disorder can be addressed at the same time, you don’t have
to delay one part of treatment,” said Gary Snipes, director of clinical services for CHOICES at First
Hospital. “Whereas in the past CHOICES transferred patients to a psychiatric facility after detox and
rehabilitation, we are now able to handle more of these dual diagnoses entirely within our program.”
SEAMLESS = SAFER
CHOICES will offer dual-diagnosis treatment this year, having relocated to a larger facility in
March. The program expanded from 28 to 44 patient beds and is currently recruiting a mental health
specialist to oversee psychiatric care and provide additional staff training. This specialist will also
coordinate care between the drug and alcohol addiction counselors and mental health experts for
patients who require both types of care.
This coordination of care is also critical for addiction patients whose psychiatric conditions
traditionally require medication. Prescription drugs at times could be inappropriate for patients
undergoing chemical dependency treatment, which complicates their overall treatment plan.
CHOICES can develop therapy strategies to address both chemical dependency and mental health
issues without compromising either aspect of care.
“We are the only drug and alcohol rehab program in the area that emphasizes dual-diagnosis care,”
Gary said. “As both prescription drug abuse and psychiatric diagnoses continue to increase in the U.S.,
we recognize and are responding to the importance of having a program like this in our community.”
Are you or a loved one struggling with chemical dependency? For confidential phone
consultations and referrals, call (570) 552-3700. For an overview of services, visit
CommonwealthHealth.net and click “First Hospital” from the “Locations” menu.
10 | CommonwealthHealth.net
Numbing by the Numbers
• 1 in 6 teens in the U.S. have used prescription
drugs for non-medical purposes.
• 8.76 million Americans abused prescription
medications in 2010.
• 54 percent of prescription drugs are obtained
for free from a friend or relative.
DRUG OF CHOICE
In 2012, dependence on a specific drug among
U.S. adults was greatest for:
• Marijuana (4.3 million)
• Pain relievers (2.1 million)
• Cocaine (1.1 million)
From 2002 to 2012, the number of people with
heroin dependence more than doubled (from
214,000 to 467,000).
SOBERING STATS
• Someone is injured in a drunk-driving crash
every two minutes in the U.S.
• The average drunk driver has driven under the
influence 80 times before his or her first arrest.
• Drunk driving indirectly costs each U.S. adult
nearly $800 a year.
Source: SAMHSA — Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services
Administration — Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality,
National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 2013
The Beat
Is It an Electrical Problem?
As a muscle, your heart works hard
to pump blood throughout your body.
However, your heart also uses a series of
electric impulses to control when and how
fast your heart beats.
Electric signals tell your heart when to
contract and pump blood, as well as when
to relax and allow the chambers of the heart
to fill with blood. When the electrical signals
in your heart malfunction, you have an
arrhythmia (or irregular heartbeat).
Goes On
WITH NEW ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY SERVICES AT WILKES-BARRE GENERAL
HOSPITAL AND CONTINUED CARE AT REGIONAL HOSPITAL OF SCRANTON,
YOU CAN TRUST US WITH YOUR HEART.
W
HEN THE ELECTRICAL system in your heart goes haywire,
you may experience a heartbeat that is too fast or too
slow. Known as an arrhythmia, an unregulated heartbeat is
a major problem that can be life-threatening. The good news is many
treatments are available for arrhythmia. When medications fail, doctors
can perform an ablation, a minimally invasive procedure that destroys
the heart tissue causing irregular heartbeats, as well as implantation
of devices such as a pacemaker to regulate the heartbeat.
Ablations, implants and other procedures for arrhythmia are
available at the electrophysiology (EP) laboratories at General
and Regional hospitals.
NEW FOR YOU
This January, General Hospital performed the first procedure in its
new EP lab. With about 1,200 square feet of space filled with the latest
equipment, the new EP lab allows arrhythmia patients to be cared for
without leaving the area.
“Cardiac electrophysiology is a dynamic discipline, and this EP lab
gives patients more options for treatment,” said Leo Lunney, BSN, RCIS,
director of cardiology services at General Hospital. “The lab also allows
CONNECT WITH US!
patients to be treated and have follow-up care with a doctor who is close
to home.”
The EP lab is staffed by dedicated, experienced team members.
“We recruited and intentionally sought doctors, nurses and staff who
have significant experience working in an EP lab,” Leo said. “The result is
an all-star team that was hand-picked by our doctor.”
SKILLED AND STEADFAST
Open since 1996 as the first electrophysiology treatment area in
the region, the Heart and Rhythm Center at Regional performed
966 procedures in 2014.
“Our administration is dedicated to making sure our Heart and
Rhythm Center has the support to continue to grow,” said Mark
Mileski, RT/RCIS, director of the catheterization laboratory at Regional.
“They ensure that our team has the equipment they need to take care
of the community.”
To learn more about heart rhythm disorders, visit
CommonwealthHealth.net and search for “Heart Rhythm.”
QUALITY CARE IS JUST A CLICK OR PHONE CALL AWAY. FIND A DOCTOR – 1-800-838-9355 (WELL) OR COMMONWEALTHHEALTH.NET.
Cardiac services are offered at:
BERWICK HOSPITAL
MOSES TAYLOR
CENTER
HOSPITAL
REGIONAL HOSPITAL
OF SCRANTON
TYLER MEMORIAL
HOSPITAL
WILKES-BARRE
GENERAL HOSPITAL
701 East 16th St.
Berwick, PA
(570) 759-5000
746 Jefferson Ave.
Scranton, PA
(570) 348-7100
5950 State Route 6
Tunkhannock, PA
(570) 836-2161
575 N. River St.
Wilkes-Barre, PA
(570) 829-8111
700 Quincy Ave.
Scranton, PA
(570) 770-5000
CommonwealthHealth.net | 11
A Look Inside
MINIMALLY INVASIVE DIAGNOSTIC EQUIPMENT HELPS
GASTROINTESTINAL SPECIALISTS MAKE A DIAGNOSIS
WITHOUT RADIATION EXPOSURE OR SURGERY.
M
OSES TAYLOR HOSPITAL now offers advanced endoscopic
procedures to obtain clearer views of the upper or lower
gastrointestinal tract for Northeastern Pennsylvania residents.
“We noticed that our patients had to travel outside of the area for
diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopic care, so we wanted to provide
options close to home,” said Mary Sewatsky, M.D., chief medical officer
and patient safety officer at Moses Taylor. “Thanks to strong support from
the hospital, we were able to bring in the right resources. It was a big
investment, but it has proven extremely worthwhile.”
With an upgraded gastrointestinal lab fully stocked with gastrointestinal
equipment, the team at Moses Taylor now provides patients with a full
spectrum of enhanced, quality endoscopic care.
“We are able to perform minimally invasive procedures using
sophisticated technology,” said Gregory Enders, M.D., gastroenterologist
on the medical staff at Moses Taylor and Regional Hospital of Scranton. “All
of our equipment has high-definition scopes, which improve visualization
and may increase polyp detection rate.”
SPECTRUM OF CARE
In addition to standard services such as colonoscopies to detect polyps
and colorectal cancers, Moses Taylor offers:
»» Endoscopic mucosal resection to remove large polyps and earlystage tumors
»» Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) to
diagnose and treat conditions in the bile ducts, liver and pancreas
»» Endoscopic ultrasound to diagnose and stage cancers, obtain
biopsies for diagnosis of tumors, and examine the bile duct,
gallbladder and pancreas
»» GI luminal stenting to alleviate complications caused by
esophageal cancer and bowel obstruction
“The goal of many of these procedures is to treat various complex
GI conditions nonsurgically so our patients can recover as quickly as
possible and get back to their lives,” said Gordon Travis, RNFA, BSN,
CNOR, market director of surgical services at Moses Taylor and Regional.
“Patients now do not have to go to Allentown or Philadelphia for these
services. They are easily accessible right here in Scranton.”
For more information about endoscopic services at Moses Taylor,
call (570) 770-7577.
On-Call Cancer Care
Patients living with cancers of the gastrointestinal system are highpriority at Moses Taylor Hospital, which offers 24/7 consultation services
and necessary treatments in a timely fashion.
“We always have emergency slots available so nobody — especially
cancer patients — has to wait to receive the care they need,” said Pardeep
Bansal, M.D., gastroenterologist on the medical staff at Moses Taylor and
Regional Hospital of Scranton. “We can bring them in within one or two
business days for office visits or endoscopy services.”
Drs. Bansal, Enders and Sewatsky are members of the medical staffs at Moses Taylor Hospital and Regional Hospital
of Scranton.
12 | CommonwealthHealth.net
A Fleet That
SAVES LIVES
IN AN EMERGENCY, MEDICAL RESPONDERS
WITH COMMONWEALTH HEALTH EMERGENCY
MEDICAL SERVICES (EMS) BRING THE HEALING
TO YOU.
C
OMMONWEALTH HEALTH EMS is composed of over 75 vehicles
including over 50 ambulances, 17 wheelchair transports and
a critical care helicopter. Two of these ambulances have been
outfitted as mobile critical care units with intensive care equipment and
teams of critical care specialists. The fleet is constantly growing. Already
this year, we have added over five new ambulances and quick response
vehicles, including our newest critical care unit.
“All our ambulances can provide advanced life support services,” said
Gary McIntyre, director of operations for Commonwealth Health EMS. “We
can monitor heart function, start intravenous medication, support patients
on ventilators and perform other potentially lifesaving steps while getting
patients to the emergency department for additional care.”
THE RIGHT RESPONSE
Critical information gathered by 911 operators helps the
Commonwealth Health EMS team respond as efficiently as possible.
An automated vehicle locator system dispatches the closest vehicles,
and, if necessary, a critical care unit. Average response time is fewer than
seven minutes.
“If you call 911, tell the operator exactly what the emergency is,” Gary
said. “Detailed information will help make sure the most appropriate
vehicles are sent to respond.”
Now you can also call Commonwealth Health EMS directly to request
emergency services. Our emergency dispatch center can be reached
24 hours a day, 365 days a year, at (570) 207-1911.
In an emergency, time is precious. Dial 911 to dispatch the closest Commonwealth Health EMS vehicle. Commonwealth Health EMS is a
preferred provider for most insurances, including Blue Cross of Northeastern Pennsylvania and Aetna.
ER OR NOT?
URGENT CARE MAKES CARING
FOR YOU A PRIORITY WHEN
YOUR CONDITION IS NOT AN
EMERGENCY.
“W
HILE EMERGENCY ROOMS are open 24 hours a day, they may not be the right
choice for your after-hours healthcare needs,” said Patricia Ihnat, D.O., chair of
emergency services at Wilkes-Barre General Hospital. “An urgent care center may
be a better option in certain situations.”
Commonwealth Health offers urgent care at the Mid Valley Outpatient Center. Walk in to see a
doctor, get X-rays, or have blood work drawn or an ultrasound.
In April 2015, Commonwealth Health extended hours at the Shavertown Clinic, making it a walk-in
clinic during evenings and weekends. No appointments are necessary, and physicals and provider
visits are offered. You don’t need to be a regular patient of the facility to visit the walk-in clinic. It’s ideal
for people who can’t take time off work to make an appointment, who need to see a doctor on the
weekend or evening for a non-emergency reason, and for those who do not have a family doctor.
A walk-in clinic is scheduled to open in the summer of 2015 at the Commonwealth Health
Mountain Top Campus, 239 S. Mountain Blvd.
“Our walk-in clinics exist for when your doctor’s office is closed — after hours or on weekends,”
Dr. Ihnat said. “If you or your child has flu-like symptoms, or even a minor fracture, we’re here for you.”
Mid Valley Outpatient Center
Shavertown Clinic
1400 Main St., Peckville
176 N. Main St., Shavertown
(570) 307-7600
(570) 255-2082
Priority Care walk-in clinic hours:
Monday through Sunday, 8 a.m.–8 p.m.
Walk-in hours: Monday through Friday, 4–9 p.m.;
Saturdays, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.; Sundays, 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
Laboratory hours: Monday through Friday,
6:30 a.m.–3 p.m., Saturdays, 6:30 a.m.–noon.
Ultrasound/EKG/X-ray: Monday through Saturday,
10:30 a.m.–6:30 p.m.
Dr. Ihnat is a member of the medical staff at Wilkes-Barre General Hospital.
COMING SOON
Walk-in clinic at our Mountain Top Campus,
South Mountain Boulevard, Mountain Top
CommonwealthHealth.net | 13
ACCORDING TO THE
NATIONAL INSTITUTES
OF HEALTH, A LONGTERM FAILURE TO GET AT
LEAST SEVEN HOURS OF
SLEEP PER NIGHT CAN
CONTRIBUTE TO SERIOUS
MENTAL AND PHYSICAL
HEALTH PROBLEMS
INCLUDING ANXIETY,
DEPRESSION, HEART
DISEASE, HYPERTENSION,
DIABETES, OBESITY AND
ALCOHOL ABUSE.
E
LECTRONIC DEVICES YOU rely on to
keep you connected could also be keeping
you awake. Texting, social networking and
reading e-books might be a few of the reasons
you’re tired during the day.
CONSEQUENCES OF OVERUSE
A study published in the journal BMJ Open
shows that using these devices for more than
four hours per day or within an hour of bedtime
increase the chance that it will take more than
an hour to fall asleep. In addition, the more
interactive a device is, the more likely it is to delay
your sleep. Many people use their smartphone as
their alarm clock, and having it close to your bed
increases your temptation to use it before bed or
during the night.
LIGHT AND SLEEP
Put Your Electronics,
and Yourself, to Bed
THE LAST THING YOU DO BEFORE YOU GO TO BED EACH
NIGHT MAY BE THE LAST THING YOU SHOULD DO.
Electronic devices such as smartphones, tablets,
e-readers and laptops emit light that’s bluer than
natural light. This blue light inhibits your body’s
production of melatonin, a chemical that helps
you sleep, and interrupts your natural sleep
rhythms. Rousing to use these devices interrupts
sleep as well. In one National Sleep Foundation
study, more than one in four parents admitted to
waking up at least once per week to send or read
emails or texts.
SIMPLE SOLUTIONS
Do You Have a Sleep Disorder?
Almost everyone occasionally experiences one of the symptoms of sleep disorders.
How can you tell when it’s time to get tested?
If these common sleep disorder symptoms become frequent, you should discuss them with
your doctor.
• trouble maintaining
• loud snoring
• constant leg movement
concentration
• night terrors
• difficulty falling asleep and
• waking up tired
• short temper and hostility
staying asleep
• sleep talking and sleepwalking
• fatigue during the day
Get help with difficulty sleeping now before it causes more serious health consequences.
Need a primary care doctor? Visit CommonwealthHealth.net/find-doctor.
CONNECT WITH US!
Don’t use mobile electronic devices an hour
before bed, and don’t charge them by your
bedside. If possible, turn off your ringer and
message notifications so they won’t wake you
up. Control how you use your electronics, or risk
giving them control over your sleep and health.
If you routinely have sleep problems, talk
with your doctor about a sleep study to learn
why. To schedule one, contact the sleep center
at one of the four Commonwealth Health
hospitals listed below.
QUALITY CARE IS JUST A CLICK OR PHONE CALL AWAY. FIND A DOCTOR – 1-800-838-9355 (WELL) OR COMMONWEALTHHEALTH.NET.
Sleep services are offered at:
BERWICK HOSPITAL
CENTER
MOSES TAYLOR
HOSPITAL
TYLER MEMORIAL
HOSPITAL
WILKES-BARRE
GENERAL HOSPITAL
701 East 16th St.
Berwick, PA
(570) 759-5229
700 Quincy Ave.
Scranton, PA
(570) 770-7481
5950 State Route 6
Tunkhannock, PA
(570) 585-6220
575 N. River St.
Wilkes-Barre, PA
(570) 829-8111
14 | CommonwealthHealth.net
SCHOOL’S
OME PLANTS
S
CAN PRODUCE
AS MANY AS
A MILLION
GRAINS OF
POLLEN
EVERY DAY,
ACCORDING TO
THE NATIONAL
INSTITUTE OF
ALLERGY AND
INFECTIOUS
DISEASES.
OUT!
(And So Is Pollen)
YOU’RE ALWAYS ENCOURAGING YOUR
KIDS TO LOOK UP FROM THE SCREEN
AND PLAY OUTSIDE. BUT IF THEY HAVE
SEASONAL ALLERGIES, IT’S EASIER SAID
THAN DONE.
We
ALL KNOW ALLERGIES spike in the spring
and fall, but for many, seasonal allergies are
a summertime battle, as well. That’s because
many plants — particularly grasses — pollinate in the summer.
“Grass pollen affects a large number of people in
Northeastern Pennsylvania this time of year,” said Michael
Freiman, M.D., FAAOA, ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist
with InterMountain Medical Group. “As weeds begin
producing pollen in August, children who are sensitive to
pollen can be symptomatic for their entire summer break.”
THREE ROUTES TO RELIEF
You can help manage your children’s summer allergies
in three ways:
Medicate. According to the American Academy of
Pediatrics, both antihistamines and nasal corticosteroids
are safe treatment options for children’s allergy symptoms.
Avoid. Dr. Freiman offers these tips to minimize your
family’s exposure to outdoor allergens:
»» If practical, schedule outdoor playtime for after dinner,
when pollen is less active. Playing outside after a heavy
rain is also helpful, as rain helps clear the air of pollen.
»» Mow your lawn frequently and keep grass short to
discourage pollen production.
»» Keep kids indoors when mowing and discourage kids
from playing in fields of tall grass.
»» Take a shower and throw clothes in the laundry after
extended periods of outdoor time.
»» Bathe indoor/outdoor pets frequently to keep them
from tracking pollen into the house.
»» Keep windows and doors closed.
Desensitize. If allergies are severe and persistent, your
children may benefit from immunotherapy, also known
as allergy shots.
“These shots introduce small amounts of the
offending allergen into the body repeatedly for three
to five years to decrease sensitivity,” Dr. Freiman said.
“I recommend immunotherapy for children age 5 and
older who haven’t found relief through medication
or avoidance.”
An ENT specialist can help you decide if allergy
shots are right for your child. To find an ENT near
you, visit CommonwealthHealth.net/find-doctor.
Allergies or a Cold?
Allergies and the
common cold share many
of the same symptoms.
Here’s how to tell the
difference:
• Duration — Colds
rarely last longer than
10 days, whereas
allergy symptoms can
be chronic or come
and go frequently.
• Eye irritation —
Allergens can make
eyes feel itchy
and dry.
• Feeling sick — Both
allergies and colds
can cause runny nose,
sneezing and watery
eyes, but with a cold,
you’ll feel sick too.
• Fever — Colds are
often accompanied
by a mild fever, while
allergies are not.
Dr. Freiman is on the medical staff at Berwick Hospital Center and Wilkes-Barre General Hospital.
CommonwealthHealth.net | 15
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