Download Maternity Care, Close to Home | 7

SouthwestToday
WINTER/SPRING12
A Publication of Southwest General HEALTH CENTER
Critical
Robotic Surgery
for Women | 5
All Digital, All
Locations | 9
Maternity Care,
Close to Home | 7
Farewell,
Blues! | 12
VISIT US ONLINE AT
2
Sunny Days Ahead
Table of
Contents
Community Voices
3
Say Farewell to That
Sinking Feeling
4
Not Your
Grandmother's
Hysterectomy Anymore
5
Pregnancy As
You Age
6
Critical Maternity Care,
Close to Home
7
"I Found a Lump ...
Now What?"
8
All Digital, All
Locations
It’s no secret that when it comes to family
health, in many cases, women make most of
the decisions. Whether they are working nine
to five or running from school play to soccer
game to piano lessons, women seem to juggle
it all. That’s why it’s important that the women
in our lives receive the best possible health
care and have the educational tools they need
to maintain optimal health and energy—for
themselves and their families.
In this issue of Southwest Today, we’ll dig a
little deeper into the health issues of women
and share how Southwest General can help
them meet the challenge of maintaining
wellness and living a healthy lifestyle—from
the latest digital technology for mammography
to preparation for having a baby, and more.
Hospital of the Future
Also in this issue, you’ll find information on
an exciting new expansion project on Southwest General’s Main Campus. The Southwest
General Health System Board of Trustees
unanimously approved Phase One of a $128
million capital investment construction project
to secure the hospital’s place in the future of
health care delivery in Northeast Ohio.
This May, we will break
ground to begin Phase
One construction, which
includes the creation of a
new, expanded Emergency
Room (ER), development
of a new critical care unit
and construction of an
underground parking garage
on the north side of the Main
Thomas A. Selden,
Campus. Please rest assured
FACHE
that, despite the hard hats,
President & Chief
fences and construction
Executive Officer
equipment, patients will receive
the same excellent quality of care
that has made Southwest General HealthGrades’ only 2012 Emergency Medicine
Excellence Award winner on the west side
of Cuyahoga County. Project updates,
developments and construction information will be provided on our website,
www.swgeneralnews.com/Construction.
At Southwest General, it is an honor for
us to extend our legacy of growth and
innovation in meeting the health care needs
of our communities. We look forward to the
opportunity for doctors, nurses and staff
members to continue providing award-winning
care in new, state-of-the-art facilities. Thank
you for giving Southwest General the privilege
of caring for you and your family. n
9
Congratulations!
Spring Into
Summer Action
It’s no secret that Southwest General’s Medical Staff includes many of the best physicians in Northeast Ohio. We
are pleased to share that the following physicians on our Medical Staff have been included in the 2012 Cleveland
Magazine “Best Doctors” list (released in March 2012). The list is excerpted from the Best Doctors in America®
2011–2012 database. Thank you to these physicians, and to all the physicians on the Medical Staff, for your
dedication and commitment to providing outstanding patient care.
10
News Briefs
11
Cardiovascular Disease
Michael F. Deucher, MD
Naim Z. Farhat, MD
Hand Surgery
Harry A. Hoyen, MD
Michael W. Keith, MD
12
Colon and Rectal Surgery
Bradley Champagne, MD
Wellness Clinic Sites
Endocrinology and
Metabolism
Zuhayr T. Madhun, MD
Internal Medicine
Jeffrey Harhay, MD
John K. Jewell, MD
Lakshmi Khatri, MD
Joshua S. Miller, DO
Farewell, Blues!
13
Education, Screenings
and Support Groups
14–15
2
A
s we say goodbye to the long days of
winter and look ahead to the sunnier
days of spring, it’s my pleasure to share
with you this special issue of Southwest Today.
Family Medicine
David C. Lash, MD
David C. Ludwig, MD
Judith K. Waters, MD
Brian D. Zelis, MD
Cynthia B. R. Zelis, MD
Medical Oncology &
Hematology
Gregory Warren, MD
NEED A DOCTOR, FAST? CALL 440-816-5050 OR VISIT WWW.SWGENERAL.COM
OB/GYN
John A. Alton, MD
Peter Rose, MD
Kristine M. Zanotti, MD
Ophthalmology
Lawrence J. Singerman, MD
Orthopedics
Mark A. Panigutti, MD
Pediatric Specialist/
Neonatal-Perinatal
Medicine
Jill E. Baley, MD
Richard J. Martin, MD
Eileen Stork, MD
PM&R
Usharani V. Tandra, MD
Radiation Oncology
Charles Kunos, MD
Janice A. Lyons, MD
General Surgery
Leonard L. Brzozowski, MD
Urology
Lawrence A. Gervasi, MD
Carson Wong, MD
Vascular Surgery
Ferdinand M. Plecha, MD
Thanks to the help of
Sue Hoefke, Christine
Kisner and everyone at
the Southwest General
Strongsville Medical
Center & Urgicare,
La Donna Dixon is back
to work at Archway and
is feeling great!
Community Voices
S
outhwest General always has been dedicated to
providing patients with the best possible clinical
care in a warm, compassionate environment. Often,
physicians, nurses and other staff members receive letters
of thanks from patients, family members or community
members who are grateful for the care they or their loved
one has received. Following is a letter written to staff
members at the Strongsville Medical Center & Urgicare
thanking them for their exceptional care.
Hello! My name is La Donna, and I just have to tell you
about a very touching experience I had at the Strongsville
Medical Center & Urgicare.
On May 30, 2011, I started to experience some pretty bad
chest pains. I thought it might be an air pocket so I tried
to move around to release the air, but it wouldn’t go away.
I decided to try and get some sleep hoping that by lying
flat it would help. But by morning, on May 31, 2011, the
problem was still there. I headed to work in Strongsville
and started having shortness of breath, and the pain in my
chest got progressively worse.
I pulled into a parking lot, grabbed my phone and looked
for the closest hospital and found that I was right by the
Strongsville Urgicare Center. Unfortunately, when I got
there it was 7 a.m., and the Urgicare didn’t open until
8 a.m. I walked around to the Main Entrance of the
Medical Center, and when I got there, I could barely
ONE-STOP NEWS AND EVENTS, WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/SWGENERAL
make it to the Patient Registration desk before I collapsed
in a chair gasping for air and holding my chest.
All of a sudden, these two representatives (my angels),
saw that I was in bad shape and came to help me with
such compassion and warmth, it moved me to tears!
I have been to many hospitals, clinics and medical
facilities and have NEVER experienced anything so
heartfelt. These two ladies made me feel calm and
relaxed, and they truly made me feel that my health
was important to them.
Sue, Christine and everyone else, thank you so much
for everything. Peace and love to you all!
Sincerely,
La Donna Dixon
Share Your Story!
Do you have a story you’d like to share? Each and every person
who enters our doors is important to us, and we would love to
hear about your experience at Southwest General.
To share your story, visit our website, www.swgeneral.com, and
complete the “Share Your Story” form located under the “For
Patients and Visitors” tab. We look forward to hearing from you.
WINTER/SPRING 2012
3
Farewell
Say
to That Sinking Feeling
Surprisingly, nearly one quarter
of the women in this country are
affected by pelvic floor disorders,
according to the U.S. Department
of Health and Human Services,
and a woman’s risk of pelvic floor
disorder increases with age.
The pelvic floor is a group of muscles that forms a “sling”
to keep the pelvic organs—such as the bladder, uterus
and bowel—in place so they can function properly. When
these muscles weaken due to aging, childbirth, obesity or
menopause, women may experience many complications,
from incontinence to pelvic organ relaxation (prolapse)
to pain.
“These are three classifications of complications from
pelvic floor disorders, and there are different approaches
to treating each one,” explains John Alton, MD, a boardcertified obstetrician/gynecologist on the Medical Staff at
Southwest General. He encourages women to sit down
with their doctor to discuss the various treatment options.
In his practice at Southwest General, Dr. Alton offers
several non-surgical options as well as minimally invasive
surgical treatments.
For the pressure or discomfort that pelvic
floor relaxation may cause and for stress
incontinence, surgery is a common treatment.
Dr. Alton performs minimally invasive
laparoscopic or robotic surgeries, which allow
most patients to go home the same day of
surgery and be back at work a few days later.
John Alton, MD,
FACOG
Obstetrics/
Gynecology
Many of these procedures use a mesh
product, which Dr. Alton describes as one of
the biggest advances in gynecology in the
past 10 to 15 years.
Meshes, or “slings,” are used as a support system to help
hold pelvic organs in place, and they offer a high success
4
WHEN YOU NEED ANSWERS, STAT! 440-816-5050
To learn more about
therapy options, scan here.
rate. In some cases, instead of mesh, sutures can be used
to attach the prolapsed organs to the patient’s own tissue,
but this technique may be more prone to failure, as the
patient’s own tissue has already failed once as a support.
For some patients with pelvic prolapse, a non-surgical
approach using a pessary (a silicone, latex-free support
ring or donut-shaped insert that is placed in the vagina to
support the pelvic organs) may be an option. Additionally,
medications can be prescribed to treat pain and a
combination of medication and pelvic floor therapy can
help patients train their bladder to reduce the urge to
urinate—known as urge incontinence.
“Think about it, if you have a shoulder injury, you see a
physical therapist,” says Dr. Alton. “So, pelvic floor therapy
helps patients use their muscles and trains them to help
get rid of some of their symptoms.”
Many patients postpone reporting pelvic floor issues
that develop when they are in their 30s because of
embarrassment or the belief that there are no treatment
options. Then, as they get older, these issues often
become more bothersome, requiring them to seek
treatment.
“Pelvic floor disorders are a fairly common problem
among women, which can negatively impact their lives,”
says Dr. Alton. “But it doesn’t have to be that way.” n
For additional information on pelvic floor disorders and
treatment options at Southwest General, call Health
Connection at 440-816-5050.
Not Your Grandmother’s
Hysterectomy Anymore
T
hough hysterectomies are
nothing new—first reports
of the surgical removal of
the uterus date back to the
mid-1800s—traditional open
surgical procedures are being
replaced today by more
advanced, minimally invasive
surgeries.
“Nowadays, people are looking
for less invasive surgery so
they can get back to work or
to their daily lifestyle sooner,”
says Kimberly Kraus, MD, a
board-certified obstetrician/
gynecologist on the Medical
Staff at Southwest General.
At Southwest General, surgeons
have been performing minimally
invasive robotic hysterectomies
using the da Vinci S® Surgical
System for more than five years.
Da Vinci is a surgical platform
that incorporates miniaturized
instruments, designed to take
surgery beyond the limits of the
human hand, with high-resolution cameras and a magnified 3D display
screen, giving the surgeon the clearest view possible of the surgical site.
“It’s definitely more precise,” says Dr. Kraus. “With da Vinci, you’re able to
do more complex movements; it really mimics your own hand movements
inside the patient. It offers better visualization and better range of motion.”
Because the surgery is performed through smaller incisions, patients
experience less pain and blood loss, fewer complications and a lower risk
of infection. Therefore, patients have a quicker recovery and faster return
to work and normal activities.
Physicians qualified to operate using the da Vinci robot go through
rigorous, hands-on training and must be proctored using the robotic
system before they are approved to proceed on their own.
Kimberly Kraus, MD,
FACOG
Obstetrics/
Gynecology
Hysterectomies are a common treatment for many uterine conditions, including
endometriosis, abnormal bleeding, fibroid tumors, pelvic organ prolapse and even
cancer. It is the second most common surgery among women in the U.S., with
more than 600,000 performed each year, according to the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention.
Dr. Kraus encourages women experiencing these conditions to make an
appointment with a physician for a complete medical and physical evaluation.
From there, the patient and doctor can discuss treatment options.
“We typically try non-surgical methods first,” she says, “but robotic surgery is
a great option that should be considered for all patients who need surgery.” n
Looking for relief and think robotic surgery might be right for you? To learn
more, call Health Connection at 440-816-5050.
State-of-the-Art
Robotic Surgery
Southwest General offers state-of-the-art robotic
surgery using the da Vinci S® Surgical System.
For patients, benefits of robotic surgery include:
• Less scarring
• Less post-operative pain and discomfort
• Reduced risk of infection and blood loss
• Shorter recovery
• Faster return to normal activities
For more information, call
440-816-5050.
HELPFUL HEALTH INFORMATION VISIT WWW.SWGENERAL.COM
WINTER/SPRING 2012
5
PregnancØ
As You Age
·
T
here are plenty of old wives’ tales surrounding pregnancy—tricks for
conceiving, homespun ways to tell the baby’s gender and even how
to induce (or prevent) labor.
But when it comes to preparing your body for pregnancy in each phase
of life, women need to know the facts, says William K. Hahn Jr., MD,
a board-certified obstetrician/gynecologist on the Medical Staff at
Southwest General.
“Each age group has distinct advantages and risks,” says Dr. Hahn.
The ideal time for a woman to conceive is in her early 20s, when fertility is
at its peak. As a woman ages, Dr. Hahn says, her fertility gradually declines:
Age 25-29: 4 to 8 percent decrease
Age 30-34: 15 to 19 percent decrease
Age 35-39: 26 to 46 percent decrease
Age 40-45: up to 95 percent decrease
In addition to decreased fertility, Dr. Hahn counsels
older moms about the increased risk of having a
cesarean section and of having a child with genetic
disorders such as Down syndrome.
Thinking about having a baby?
Dr. William K. Hahn, Jr. offers these simple steps
to help you prepare for having a baby:
• Work on getting any weight problems under
control before becoming pregnant.
• Begin balancing your diet and improving
your physical fitness, but remember that an
extreme amount of exercise is not good either.
• Decrease your caffeine consumption—
sorry, lattes!
• Eliminate smoking, alcohol or drug use.
• Start taking prenatal vitamins.
• Get plenty of sleep.
6
William K. Hahn, Jr.,
MD, FACOG
Obstetrics/
Gynecology
But preparing your body for pregnancy is just as
much about your overall health as it is about your
age. That’s why Dr. Hahn recommends a preconception visit for potential moms of any age to discuss:
• Proper management of underlying diseases such as high blood
pressure or diabetes
• G
enetics or family history that may affect pregnancy and
childbirth
• Ensuring that immunizations are up to date
• Improving personal life habits, such as eliminating smoking,
alcohol or drug use, losing weight and improving physical
fitness and diet
• T
aking prenatal vitamins that include 400 micrograms
of folic acid, which protects against neural tube defects
in a child.
Just as important is patience, particularly for women
who have spent their 20s and 30s establishing
themselves in a career before trying to conceive in
their 40s.
“Don’t wait too long,” he cautions. “You should
expect that it will take longer to conceive as you
get older.” n
For additional information on Maternity Services
at Southwest General, call Health Connection at
440-816-5050.
Critical Maternity Care, Close to Home
N
othing about Brigitte Smith’s
two pregnancies even hinted
of potential trouble. When
she tested positive during her first
pregnancy for Group B strep (GBS)—a
common bacteria carried by up to 30
percent of women without any health
effects—it was still no cause for alarm.
As a precautionary measure against
transmission of the bacteria to her
newborn, Brigitte was given a dose
of antibiotics before delivering her son
Lukas in 2009.
But that 17-hour labor bore no
resemblance to the arrival of Smith’s
daughter Morgan last year.
“I delivered Morgan within a half-hour
of arriving at Southwest General,”
Smith says. “There was no time to
get the antibiotics.”
Morgan arrived seemingly healthy, but
12 hours later, nurses detected a heart
murmur. Further examination revealed
that Morgan had contracted GBS
infection during delivery.
A neonatologist from University
Hospital’s Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital arrived immediately
to begin treatment. He offered
the Smiths the choice of transferring
Southwest General's Security Blanket for Your Bundle of Joy Includes:
• 24-hour access to an obstetrician/
gynecologist and anesthesiologists.
•Two nurses present at every delivery—
one for mom and one for baby.
•Access to Newborn Home Visits
from Home Health Services for firsttime moms.
to Rainbow’s Neonatal Intensive
Care Unit (NICU) or staying at
Southwest General.
“I asked the doctor, ‘Can Southwest
General give Morgan everything she
needs?’ says Brigitte. “He said ‘yes.'"
Nancy Crow, nurse manager of
Maternity Services at Southwest
General, gives mothers similar
reassurances when they have
manageable complications.
“Because of our partnership with
University Hospitals, we have access
to highly skilled neonatologists and
neonatal nurse practitioners around
the clock,” Crow says. “In a case
like Morgan’s, a family can stay
close to home and still get the same
quality of care they would experience
at Rainbow.”
LISTING OF HEART & VASCULAR INSTITUTE SERVICES AT WWW.SWGENERAL.COM/HEART
• Certified lactation consultants.
•Experienced pediatricians on the
Medical Staff at Southwest General.
• Access to Midwife Services.
•Constant Care Nursery for babies
who need closer attention.
Crow and her team cared for Morgan
in an area known as the “Constant
Care Nursery” while she received
antibiotic treatment, overseen by a
neonatologist. Brigitte was able to
stay overnight at the hospital with
Morgan and had as much access as
she wanted to nurse and cuddle with
her daughter. Morgan went home in
good health and has suffered no longterm effects from her illness. For that,
Brigitte credits the care she received
at Southwest General.
“It made me very comfortable that
they had so many years of experience
with neonatologists,” she says. “They
were so good, why would I have
wanted to go somewhere else?” n
WINTER/SPRING 2012
7
Stay Informed For Better Breast Health
A combination of mammography, breast self-examination (BSE) and clinical breast exams (CBE) by a physician offers
the best chance to detect cancer early, when it is most treatable.
Visit www.swgeneral.com/BreastCenter for a list of The American Cancer Society's breast care guidelines and for
additional information on the Breast Center at Southwest General.
E
Leonard Brzozowski,
MD, FACS
General Surgery
very woman knows the significance
of the color pink. It’s on pink-ribbon
bumper stickers, apparel, ads for
charity walks, and even the uniforms of NFL
football players.
With so much breast cancer information
available, patients who find a lump are
usually fairly educated about the disease by the time they
visit Leonard Brzozowski, MD, a board-certified general
surgeon on the Medical Staff at Southwest General, who
specializes in breast surgery.
“They’re more educated, but there’s still a fair amount of
confusion,” Dr. Brzozowski says. “Every breast cancer is
unique in its presentation and treatment.”
“I Found a Lump … Now What?”
We asked Dr. Brzozowski to help clear up some common
breast cancer misconceptions:
“A lump automatically means cancer.” These two
don’t always go hand-in-hand. “The majority of the breast
problems we see are benign,” says Dr. Brzozowski. Benign
issues can include lumpy breast tissue or a fluid-filled cyst.
But err on the side of caution, he warns—see your doctor
as soon as you find a lump.
“A diagnosis of breast cancer means I’m dying.”
Increased breast cancer awareness and more focus on
self-exams has meant earlier detection, which, in turn, is
increasing survival rates.
“I’m going to have to lose a breast.” Breast cancer
treatment today is all about breast conservation,
says Dr. Brzozowski. That means minimally invasive
surgical techniques, including lumpectomies instead of
mastectomies when possible, and reconstructive surgery
when a mastectomy is required.
“I’ll have to stay in the hospital.” Dr. Brzozowski
compares breast cancer surgery to a simple biopsy. It’s
minimally invasive and muscle is usually not cut; patients
go home the same day of surgery and return to normal
activities within a week.
“I’m going to have to go through chemotherapy.”
Radiation often is part of breast cancer treatment, but
chemotherapy isn’t always required. “We do tests to
determine whether chemotherapy would be helpful or
not,” says Dr. Brzozowski.
Although one in eight women will develop breast cancer
during her lifetime, the odds of survival are on your side.
“There are so many breast cancer survivors out there,”
says Dr. Brzozowski. “Most breast cancer is treatable.” n
8
ONE-STOP NEWS AND EVENTS, WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/SWGENERAL
Southwest General To Be
All Digital, All Locations
A
diagnostic leader in women’s health, Southwest
General continues to offer the latest technology for
breast cancer screening and diagnosis. Beginning
in May 2012, the hospital will feature new Digital Breast
Tomosynthesis technology at the Breast Center on its
Main Campus in Middleburg Heights. Additionally, digital
mammography will be available at Southwest General’s
Brunswick and Strongsville medical centers, marking
a transition to digital technology in ALL Southwest
General facilities.
Southwest General will be one of the first hospitals in
Northeast Ohio to offer Digital Breast Tomosynthesis.
Approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration a
year ago, Tomosynthesis takes digital imaging a step further
by providing 3-dimensional (3D) images of the breast. The
technology records a “stack” of images, each one showing
a different “slice” of the breast—just like a CT Scan records
“slices” of the brain and other parts of the body. By viewing
each slice, the radiologist can detect any abnormalities at
any depth.
According to Barb Demyan, director of Imaging Services
at Southwest General, digital imaging, including Tomosynthesis, allows radiologists to detect abnormalities
that might otherwise go unnoticed in their early stages.
For example, in traditional film mammograms, a lesion
hidden behind a microcalcification—a small mineral
deposit that is normal in most breasts—can go
undetected, Demyan explains.
Digital mammography, is an improvement over film because
it provides an image that the radiologist can manipulate for
better clarity. “Instead of a piece of film, the image appears
on a computer monitor,” Demyan says. “The radiologist can
make the image larger, adjust the brightness and contrast,
zoom in on a particular area and, if necessary, immediately
have the technologist provide an additional image.”
Being able to manipulate the image makes it easier to
locate and identify abnormalities. “Breast issues can
potentially be identified with a digital mammogram years
before they would be felt in a self-exam or a clinical exam,”
says Demyan.
Beyond improved diagnostic capabilities, digital
mammograms offer additional conveniences for patients
and medical personnel. “It makes the process more efficient
from taking the image, to sharing the image, to storing it for
future review,” Demyan says.
THOMSON REUTERS 100 TOP HOSPITALS® AWARD WINNER
In December 2011, the American College
of Radiology named Southwest General’s
Breast Center a Breast Imaging Center of
Excellence. Centers of Excellence must
meet rigorous guidelines and complete
several accreditation programs. Also, the designation
means that the Breast Center physicians, technologists
and other personnel have received enhanced training in
the latest procedures and techniques.
Although both film and digital imaging require breast
compression, with digital imaging the process can take
less time. “Film imaging requires approximately two minutes
to develop an image and determine its quality. With digital
technology, an image is produced in an instant. So it
requires less time and discomfort for the patient.” n
A physician’s order is required for mammography services.
For more information on digital mammography at Southwest General, including who may be a candidate for 3D
mammography, call Southwest General’s Breast Center
at 440-816-2662 or to schedule a mammogram, call
440-816-8605.
Southwest General’s digital mammography technology provides
many patient benefits, including:
• Superior image quality, which can help physicians
detect cancers earlier than with standard analog (film)
mammography.
• Improved view of the (size, shape and location of an
abnormality).
• A reduced incidence of callbacks for additional scans and
biopsies as the radiologist’s view is much clearer, ultimately
leading to less worry on the part of the patient.
• Faster evaluation and results.
WINTER/SPRING 2012
3
9
Spring Into
Summer
Action
A
fter a winter spent trapped in hats, coats and
gloves, it’s time to break free with a new springtime
exercise routine. Now’s the time many women set
their summer fitness goals, whether it’s running a 5K or
marathon, or simply losing some winter weight.
To help you avoid any potential injuries that might stand
between you and your goal, following is advice on how to
exercise safely from Robert Coale, MD, medical director,
Southwest General Sports Medicine, and an orthopedic
surgeon on the Medical Staff at Southwest General, and
Scott Schnell, MD, an orthopedic surgeon on the Medical
Staff at Southwest General.
Get a check-up first. Head to your doctor before
hitting the treadmill. “See your physician first to get an
assessment of your fitness level, discuss any old injuries,
and get clearance to start your new exercise routine,”
says Dr. Schnell.
Keep some variety. Even if you’re training for a run, don’t
let that be all you do. Mix it up with cross training—other
cardio exercises, weight training, even yoga. The most
common injuries Dr. Coale sees are overuse injuries
resulting from repetitive use of a particular set of muscles.
Seek some help here too; Dr. Schnell points patients to
LifeWorks of Southwest General, the hospital’s premier
health and fitness center, where athletic trainers can craft
a training program unique to your goals.
Robert Coale, MD
Medical Director,
Southwest General
Sports Medicine,
Orthopedic Surgery
Scott Schnell, MD
Orthopedic Surgery
10
Expert Care for
Weekend Warriors
Southwest General’s Sports Medicine
Program offers expert care for athletes
of all ages and skill levels, from weekend
warriors to serious athletes. Sports
Medicine services focus on:
• Injury prevention and education
• Strength training and conditioning
• Treatment and rehabilitation of injuries
To learn more about Sports Medicine,
or to schedule an appointment, call
440-816-8010.
Don’t ignore the warning signs. “The ‘No pain, no gain.’
theory doesn’t work,” says Dr. Schnell. Too many women
try to fight through pain rather than listen to its warnings.
Try this instead—ice the area, rest and use an antiinflammatory medication. Running in pain, “is a recipe for
continued failure,” says Dr. Coale. “If you don’t do it right,
it’s tough to rehab an injury and continue on your training
as you planned.”
Know when it’s time to call the doctor. "If you fight
through it and come in with serious injuries, it could
mean the possible end of the activity," says Dr. Coale.
If your injury isn’t improving with rest after 72 hours or
so, it’s time to consult a Sports Medicine specialist.
He or she may recommend physical therapy or changes
to your exercise routine. n
NEED SURGERY? VISIT WWW.SWGENERAL.COM/SURGERY FOR MORE INFORMATION
News Briefs
Old Oak Run—31st Annual!
Mighty Oak Award
The 31st annual Old Oak Run, Southwest General's
5K run and one-mile walk, will be held on Saturday,
April 21, 2012, at LifeWorks of Southwest General,
7390 Old Oak Boulevard (just ½-mile south of Southwest
General in Middleburg Heights). Race fees for the 5K
are $20 (pre-registration through April 13) and $23 from
April 14 through race day.
In Dec. 2011, Thomas P. Perciak was
honored as the recipient of Southwest
General’s prestigious Mighty
Oak Award. Voted on by the Health
System Board of Trustees, the award
recognizes an individual for at least
10 years of service, during which the individual has
made a significant contribution to Southwest General
and exhibited outstanding leadership. Congratulations
Mayor Perciak! n
Fees for the walk are $12 (pre-registration
through April 13) and $15 from April
14 through race day. The first 300
participants in the walk and run will
receive a free, long-sleeved T-shirt.
To register, go to www.
hermescleveland.com. n
Free Screenings—Sign Up Now!
Head, Neck and Oral Cancer Screening
Wednesday, April 25, 2012, 2-5 p.m.
University Hospitals (UH) Seidman Cancer Center at
Southwest General
18697 Bagley Rd. Middleburg Hts., OH 44130
Registration is required—limited spaces available.
To register, call 440-816-6066. Please make your
appointment by Friday, April 20, 2012.
Save the Date
Seasons of a Woman’s Life
Event 2012
Join Southwest General’s Comprehensive Women’s Health
Care on Thursday, Oct. 18, 2012, 6-9 p.m., at LaCentre
Conference & Banquet Facility in Westlake, for the Seasons
of a Woman’s Life Event.
Guest speaker and Emmy winner Marcia Wallace—most
notably known as the voice of the teacher on the hit
show “The Simpsons,” and as the secretary on “The Bob
Newhart Show”—will provide entertainment for the evening.
The cost is $39 per ticket, and tickets will be made
available for Seasons Members starting Monday, April 16,
2012 and for the general public on Monday, April 23, 2012.
To learn more, or to become a Seasons Member, please
call Shannon Finkovich at 440-816-5395. To order tickets,
call 440-816-8043. n
Skin Cancer Screening at Southwest General
Monday, May 7, 2012, 8 a.m.–noon
Conference Room 15 C-1, Basement of Bldg. B
Registration is required—limited spaces available.
To register, call 440-816-4037.
This screening is sponsored by Southwest General’s
Community Nurse Program and will be administered by
Vasu Pandrangi, MD.
Wednesday, May 16, 2012, 8 a.m.–noon
Williams Conference Center, Rm. F, Basement of Bldg. C
Registration is required—limited spaces available.
To register, call 440-816-4037.
This screening is sponsored by Southwest General’s
Community Nurse Program and will be administered by
Roman Ringel, MD.
Saturday, May 19, 2012, 9 a.m.–noon
Williams Conference Center, Basement of Bldg. C
Registration is required—limited spaces available.
To register, call 440-816-2699.
This screening is co-sponsored by University Hospitals
(UH) Seidman Cancer Center at Southwest General and
the American Academy of Dermatology.
QUESTIONS ABOUT YOUR HEART? CALL 1-877-SWG-BEAT (794-2328)
WINTER/SPRING 2012
11
Tell Me Doctor
Farewell, Blues!
Q. Can hormonal changes impact a woman’s mental health?
A: Yes. Women are particularly susceptible to mental health issues during the following times of
their lives: at the onset of puberty, before a normal menstrual period, after childbirth and at the onset
of menopause.
Q. What are the common conditions?
Kuldeep Vaghela, MD
Psychiatry
A: Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) can result in mood changes, depression, irritability, extreme sensitivity
and heightened tension. Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) causes many of the same symptoms
as PMS, but they are more severe, resulting in problems with social and occupational functioning. PMS
doesn’t usually require treatment. PMDD usually does require treatment.
Many of the same symptoms are common following menopause. Following childbirth, some women
experience postpartum depression, which can cause them to feel restless, anxious, fatigued and
worthless. Most cases last a couple of weeks and go away on their own. In extreme but rare cases,
a woman may develop psychotic postpartum depression, causing her to want to harm herself or her
child. If this is the case, it is imperative that she call her doctor right away and seek treatment.
Q. What should a woman do if she has these symptoms?
A: Any suicidal thought should trigger immediate medical attention. However, the common rule is to
visit your family doctor or a psychiatrist if these symptoms last more than two weeks, or when they are
severe enough to impact social or occupational functioning.
Q. What are the treatment options?
A: Medications are available to treat depression and anxiety. For extreme cases, options include a
combination of psychotherapy as well as medication. Also, there are some natural options, including
herbs like St. John’s Wort and Black Cohosh, along with vitamins such as Vitamin E and Vitamin B6.
Exercise and proper diet also can reduce many of these symptoms. Any treatment option should be
discussed with your doctor first.
Q. What should a husband know about women’s mental health?
A: Education is important. It’s important for a spouse or partner to know whether these symptoms
are linked to a change in life or whether they are happening randomly. By knowing that these things
are normal, they are more able to be supportive, patient and an objective voice. n
Kuldeep Vaghela, MD, is a psychiatrist on the Medical Staff at Southwest General. Dr. Vaghela
specializes in adult depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and Post Traumatic Stress
Disorder. Also, he has an interest in psychoanalytic psychotherapy. Dr. Vaghela is fluent in
Spanish, Hindi and Gujarati. For more information, call Health Connection at 440-816-5050.
Send us your health questions for future issues of Southwest
Today. E-mail your questions to [email protected] or
mail them to attn: Marketing & Business Development, 18697
Bagley Rd. Middleburg Hts., OH 44130.
Along with your questions, we welcome any feedback or
suggestions you may have for future topics.
12
ACHES AND PAINS GOT YOU DOWN? CALL HEALTH CONNECTION AT 440-816-5050
Physician Presentations
in Your Community
www.swgeneralnews.com/events
C L I P A N D S AV E
Physicians on the Medical Staff of Southwest General
present talks on the latest health information—right in
your hometown, at convenient locations. Check out
Wellness Clinic Sites
for our easy-to-use
education, events
and screenings listings,
and click on the “Physician
Presentations” block. Once
there, you can see if there is a talk
just right for you! If so, registration
is required, and you can make your
choice on that same web page.
Berea Recreation Center
451 Front Street
Blood Pressure & Glucose Screening
1st Tuesday each month, 7:30–8:30 a.m.
3rd Monday each month, 8–noon
Berea Senior Center
St. Paul Lutheran Church, 276 Bagley Road
Blood Pressure & Glucose Screening
2nd Tuesday each month, 12:30-2 p.m.
Brook Park Rec. & Senior Center
17400 Holland Road
Blood Pressure & Glucose Screening
1st Tuesday each month, 9 a.m.–noon
3rd Wednesday each month, 8–9:30 a.m.
Additionally, you can register by calling
the Education Department, from 9 a.m. to
3 p.m. weekdays, at 440-816-8446. After hours,
leave a voicemail with presentation title and date,
your name and those attending with you (if any), complete address, phone
number and e-mail. If less than 20 people have registered for a talk, the event
is subject to either change or cancellation. n
Brunswick Community Recreation &
Fitness Center
3637 Center Road
Blood Pressure & Glucose Screening
2nd & 4th Wednesday each month,
8 a.m.–noon
Ehrnfelt Rec. & Senior Complex
18100 Royalton Road
Blood Pressure & Glucose Screening
1st Monday each month, 7–9:30 a.m.
3rd Tuesday each month, 10:30 a.m.–1 p.m.
Take a Journey to Better Health
Become a champion of your
own health care.
Let us provide you with the information, tools and comprehensive
services to make the best, educated health care choices. Join
The Seasons of a Woman's Life membership program and
receive free e-newsletters and much more, call 440-816-4186.
NEED A DOCTOR, FAST? CALL 440-816-5050 OR VISIT WWW.SWGENERAL.COM
C L I P A N D S AV E
Join Southwest General’s Comprehensive Women’s Health Care
on a Journey to Better Health on Monday, May 14, 2012, 4-7 p.m.,
at LifeWorks of Southwest General (7390 Old Oak Blvd. Middleburg
Hts., 44130).
Enjoy FREE screenings, health education, chair massages and
much more. To learn more, call Shannon Finkovich, Women’s Health
navigator, at 440-816-5395 or [email protected]. n
Southwest General’s Community Nurse
Program offers wellness clinics throughout
the hospital’s service area. The nurses provide
free blood pressure screenings, glucose
screenings and general health information.
No appointment is necessary, and everyone is
welcome. For additional information, call the
Community Nurse Program at 440-816-4037.
Please note: Wellness Clinics are closed on
holidays. In case of inclement weather, clinics
are closed if schools in the area are closed.
LifeWorks of Southwest General
7390 Old Oak Boulevard
Blood Pressure & Glucose Screening
1st Monday each month, 5–7 p.m.
2nd Monday each month, 9 a.m.–noon
Middleburg Heights Community Center
16000 Bagley Road
Blood Pressure & Glucose Screening
2nd Monday each month, 7–8:30 a.m.
2nd Tuesday each month, 8 a.m.–noon
Olmsted Falls Senior Center
Jenkins Community Center, 7932 Main Street
Blood Pressure & Glucose Screening
1st Monday quarterly (March, June, Aug.,
Dec.) 10-11 a.m.
ParkFit at Westfield SouthPark
Shopping Mall
500 SouthPark Center, Upper Food Court
Blood Pressure Screening
3rd Tuesday each month, 9–10 a.m.
WINTER/SPRING 2012
13
Education, Screenings and Support Groups
For complete details about the listings below, please visit our web page,
www.swgeneralnews.com/events.
Registration
Location
Below are listings of our educational opportunities, screenings and
free support groups. For complete details (when, where, registration,
etc.), please visit www.swgeneralnews.com/events. Searching this
web page is easy and quick! To ensure a place in the class/program of
your choice, register as soon as possible by calling the number listed.
Payment at the time of registration will guarantee your placement into
the class. Please note, no refunds are offered.
Most classes meet at Southwest General,
18697 Bagley Road in Middleburg Heights.
When you call to register, you will be told
the location of your class. Some classes
are held outside the hospital. To register for
a class, call the phone number listed next
to each class title.
❚ EMS Programs
❚ Life Support Programs
—Basic
C.E.R.T. – Community Emergency
Response Team
Contact your city rep for upcoming classes.
Health Care Provider CPR........... 440-816-8036
Health Care Provider Renewal..... 440-816-8036
Berea.............................. [email protected]
Heartsaver CPR and AED............ 440-816-8036
Brook Park......... [email protected]
Family and Friends CPR............. 440-816-8036
Brunswick [email protected]
Columbia Station.............. [email protected]
Hinckley Township...... [email protected]
❚ Family Life Programs
Middleburg [email protected]
Now that You’re Pregnant
Boot Camp for New Dads........... 440-816-8036
Olmsted Falls............ [email protected]
Breastfeeding............................ 440-816-8036
Strongsville....... [email protected]
Maternity Tour........................... 440-816-8036
Cleveland Hopkins Airport
........................... [email protected] Happiest Baby on the Block........ 440-816-8036
Emergency Medical Technician
Basic EMT................................. 440-816-4553
EMT Basic Refresher.................. 440-816-4553 EMT Paramedic Refresher.......... 440-816-4553 First Responder......................... 440-816-4553 American Heart Courses
Infant Care................................ 440-816-8036
Grandparenting.......................... 440-816-8036
❚ Physician
Presentations
For Children
Sibling Preparation..................... 440-816-8036
Free community talks ................ 440-816-8446
or www.swgeneralnews.com/events
Prepared Childbirth.................... 440-816-8036
Southwest Safe SitterTM.............. 440-816-8036
Safety
Family and Friends CPR............. 440-816-8036
Advanced Cardiac Life............... 440-816-4553
Support (ACLS)
International Trauma............... 440-816-4553
Life Support (ITLS)
14
❚ Recovery Programs
Arthritis Exercise Program.......... 440-816-8036
(formerly P.A.C.E.)
Heartsaver/First Aid.................... 440-816-4553
Pediatric Advanced Life.............. 440-816-4553
Support (PALS) The American Heart Association strongly promotes
knowledge and proficiency in BLS, ACLS and PALS
and has developed instructional materials for this
purpose. Use of these materials in an educational
course does not represent course sponsorship by the
American Heart Association. Any fees charged for
such a course, except for a portion of fees needed for
AHA course material, do not represent income to the
Association.
❚ Health and Nutrition
Diabetes Basics......................... 440-816-5728
Cardiac Rehabilitation................ 440-816-5772
—Phase II
Diabetes Education Program...... 440-816-5728
Cardiac Rehabilitation................ 440-816-5772
—Phase III Hospice Volunteer Training.......... 440-816-5967
Heart Failure Rehabilitation......... 440-816-5772
Individualized Nutrition............... 440-816-8605 Counseling
Look Good... Feel Better......... 1-888-227-6446
option 2
Stop the Clock! ......................... 440-816-5728
Pre-Diabetes/Metabolic Syndrome
Moving On................................. 440-816-5861
HELPFUL HEALTH INFORMATION VISIT WWW.SWGENERAL.COM
Moving On Aquatics................... 440-816-5861
Pulmonary Rehabilitation II......... 440-816-8982
Pulmonary Rehabilitation III......... 440-816-8982
Speaking On.............................. 440-816-8010
❚ Screenings and
Wellness Clinics
Blood Pressure/Glucose............. 440-816-4037
Screening
Cholesterol Screening................ 440-816-4037
(appt. required) Community Nurse Program........ 440-816-4037
Osteoporosis Screening.............. 440-816-4037
❚ Support Groups—
Free
Breastfeeding Mother’s.............. 440-816-8397
Support Group
Caregiver Support Group............ 440-816-5018
and Resource Center
Domestic Violence....... 216-651-8484, ext. 311
Support Group
Healthy Grief Class: ................... 440-816-5019
A Six-Week Series (reg. required)
Heartwise Education/................. 440-816-5772
Support Group
Moving Forward With................ 440-816-2674
Breast Cancer........................ or 440-816-6075
“Out of the Valley”: .................... 440-816-5019
A Grief Support Group
LifeWorks of Southwest General
www.lifeworksfitness.net
A Premier Health and Fitness Center
7390 Old Oak Boulevard, Middleburg Heights, OH 44130 | 440-816-4202
LifeWorks is a premier health and fitness center owned by Southwest
General Health Center. Our facility provides a comfortable atmosphere in
which professional staff assist members toward living a healthier lifestyle.
Membership includes six (6) appointments with an exercise specialist
and a personal trainer as well as more than 100 weekly group exercise
classes, including TRX®, Spinning®, Zumba® and so much more.
50
%
OFF
Enrollment Fee
Receive 50% OFF the enrollment fee when you
join LifeWorks now through May 31, 2012.
Call Membership to schedule an appointment or for
more information at 440-816-4210 or email
[email protected]
Must present coupon at time of sign up. Certain restrictions
apply. Must be aged 18 or older. Valid through 5-31-12.
Cannot be combined with other promotions/specials.
Month-to-month membership options are available.
For all programs below, please contact Mallory Diebel, promotions
coordinator, at 440-816-4304 or [email protected].
Bootcamps
Wellness
– Beach Body Bootcamp
– Bootcamp For Baby Boomers
– Bootcamp For Moms
– Hip or Knee Pre-Op/
Post-Op Program
– Hot Yoga
– Pilates: 6 Weeks to a
Healthier Back
– Prenatal Water Exercise
– Stop Smoking with Hypnosis
– Tai Chi
– Weight Loss with Hypnosis
Personal Training
❚ Women’s Programs
Comprehensive Women’s........... 440-816-5395
Health Care
Seasons of a Woman’s Life ........ 440-816-4186
Membership
Women’s Health Navigator......... 440-816-5395
– One-on-One Personal Training
– Small Group Training: Kettlebell,
Iron Yoga, High Intensity Interval
Training
C heck us out on Facebook at facebook.com, search
“LifeWorks of Southwest General Hospital”
GET THE LATEST NEWS AND UPDATES FOR SOUTHWEST GENERAL AT WWW.SWGENERAL.COM
WINTER/SPRING 2012
15
Non-Profit Org.
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
Cleveland, Ohio
Permit No. 1702
Southwest General Health Center
18697 Bagley Road
Middleburg Heights, Ohio 44130-3497
440-816-5050
Thomas A. Selden, FACHE
President & CEO
Published by the Marketing &
Business Development Department
www.swgeneral.com
A Stroke Strikes Fast, So Should You!
Stroke is the third most common cause of disability and
death after heart disease and cancer in the U.S. Stroke is
a devastating event in which there is acute compromise of
blood flow to the brain.
A common event that heralds a stroke is a
Transient Ischemic Attack, more commonly
referred to as a TIA. Symptoms of a TIA can
include headache; blurred vision; slurred speech;
double vision or loss of vision; numbness or
weakness of the face or extremities; inability
to walk; or vomiting. Symptoms may vary
depending upon the area of the brain affected.
Kempsagar C.
Ravishankar, MD
Neurology
The causes of stroke are many, but the most
common predisposing factors are hypertension,
diabetes, heart disease and smoking. A TIA can
be a precursor to a full-blown stroke, which can
lead to permanent disability.
When a stroke occurs, the affected part of the brain loses
blood supply immediately, and brain cells begin to break
down. However, there is an area around the affected
region, which can be preserved to a certain extent and
help with recovery of function. Time is of great importance
in salvaging this portion of the brain.
Time is Brain.
If an individual begins to present
symptoms of a stroke, he or she
The Joint Commission
should call 9-1-1 immediately or get
Primary Stroke Center Certification
to the nearest emergency room. The
window of opportunity to administer a drug called Tissue
Plasminogen Activator (TPA)—a clot-busting drug—is
within three hours or in some instances, within fourand-a-half hours, as suggested by the American Heart
Association’s Stroke Council.
The goal is not only to treat acute stroke but also to
educate the community in its prevention. Southwest
General has been awarded—for three consecutive
years—Primary Stroke Center Certification by The Joint
Commission because of the capability of treating acute
stroke effectively.
K.C. Ravishankar, MD, a board-certified neurologist on
the Medical Staff at Southwest General, emphasizes that
symptoms and signs of stroke should be recognized
quickly and 9-1-1 should be called so that the patient can
be evaluated by trained personnel as soon as possible.
“Don’t waste time. Call 9-1-1,” Dr. Ravishankar stresses. n