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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 Commonwealth Health 575 N. River St. Wilkes-Barre, PA 18764 PRSRT STD U.S. Postage PAID Lynchburg, VA Permit No. 500 OBC_Numbers OBC_Numbers ad ad Back Back Page_PF.pdf Page_PF.pdf1 15/29/15 5/29/15 2:19 2:19 PM PM CommonwealthHealth.net