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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