Download Spring/Summer 2007

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spring/summer 2007
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a Health Magazine from Morris Hospital & Healthcare Centers
Laparoscopic
Surger y
Less Pain and
Faster Healing
page 2
Prevent
Infection
page 3
Caring for
Kids
page 6
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Laparoscopic
Surgery
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Less pain and faster healing
Obstetrician/Gynecologists Peter Vienne, D.O.,
and Tom Kazmierczak, D.O., perform a
laparoscopic hysterectomy at Morris Hospital
& Healthcare Centers.
“Today, nearly 90 percent of gallbladders can be removed laparoscopically,” says Dr. Smyk. “What's more, many other procedures that once
required conventional surgery offer a laparoscopic alternative.”
According to Dr. Smyk, most individuals - including those who are obese are candidates for laparoscopic surgery. Exceptions include individuals
who have excessive adhesions or scarring in the abdomen, and those
who have already undergone multiple surgeries.
Here's How it Works
A surgeon makes several tiny incisions, or cuts known as access incisions,
into the skin. Then the surgeon inserts narrow tubes into the body
through these openings. The tubes allow the surgeon to slide surgical
instruments and a tiny video camera inside the body.
The video camera is attached to a laparoscope (a tiny tube with a light),
which sends the images to a monitor in the operating room. The surgeon
then performs the operation while watching his or her movements on
the monitor.
When the surgery is over, the surgeon removes the instruments and
closes up the tiny incisions with one or two stitches.
Laparoscopic surgery is performed under general anesthesia, and many
times, patients go home the same day. In some cases, a one-night
hospital stay may be required.
aparoscopic surgery has revolutionized the way many surgical
procedures are performed at Morris Hospital & Healthcare
Centers. For patients, that means smaller incisions, less pain,
shorter hospital stays and quicker recovery times.
L
“Laparoscopic surgery is a safe, effective alternative to many traditional
surgeries, and it offers the same or better results,” explains Roman Smyk,
M.D., a general surgeon and Chief of the Department of Surgery at
Morris Hospital & Healthcare Centers. “Patients are the big winners
because they recover faster and can resume work and normal daily
activities much more quickly.”
A Little History
Laparoscopic surgery gained popularity in the 1980s when general surgeons began using the technique to remove diseased gall bladders.
With traditional “open” surgery, the gallbladder is removed through a
five- to eight-inch-long incision in the abdomen, which extends from
just below the ribs on the right side to just below the waist. In contrast, a
laparoscopic gallbladder removal requires just three or four tiny incisions
that are closed with one or two stitches following surgery, and covered
with a band-aid.
“Today, most abdominal procedures are performed laparoscopically,” Dr.
Smyk adds. “Large abdominal incisions can be painful, so if we can offer
patients a laparoscopic alternative, we're sparing them considerable pain
and recovery time.”
Other benefits of laparoscopic surgery include less risk of infection and
reduced blood loss during surgery.
MORRIS HOSPITAL OFFERS MANY ADVANCED
LAPAROSCOPIC SURGICAL PROCEDURES, INCLUDING:
Laparoscopic Gynecological Procedures
Hysterectomy • Bladder repair • Ovary removal
Removal of tumor on uterine wall
Ectopic pregnancy • Tubal ligation
Laparoscopic General Surgery Procedures
Gallbladder removal • Hernia repair
Spleen repair or removal • Diagnostic laparoscopy
Colon resection • Appendectomy (adult and pediatric)
Laparoscopic Orthopedic Surgery Procedures
Arthroscopic procedures of the hip and knee
Laparoscopic Urology Procedures
Kidney removal • Adrenal gland removal
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Have a healthy Summer
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prevent
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infection
W
ith balmy temperatures, bright sunshine and colorful blooms, summer is a season many of us crave
year-round. However, summer is associated with
some unique risks for developing infection. Here are some
tips to help you and your family stay healthy.
“The best defense
Avoid Insect Bites
against tetanus
Mosquitoes and ticks are more than just annoying - they can
be downright dangerous. Most common in the summer and
early autumn, bites from infection carrying mosquitoes can
cause serious illness including West Nile virus and St. Louis
Encephalitis, says John Bolden, M.D., an infectious disease
specialist on the medical staff at Morris Hospital &
Healthcare Centers.
is prevention
through
immunization.”
“The key to preventing these diseases is to avoid getting mosquito bites,” says Dr. Bolden.
- John Bolden, M.D.
Staying indoors at dusk when mosquitoes are most active is
one way to avoid bites. If you are outdoors, insect repellent
with DEET, citronella, or soybean oil is most effective at keeping mosquitoes away. (Remember to follow label instructions
carefully, and use sparingly on children, avoiding their faces
and hands.) It's also helpful to wear light-colored clothing, or
clothing with long sleeves and pants when outdoors, and
avoid the use of scented soaps, perfumes or lotions, advises
Dr. Bolden.
Infectious Disease
Specialist
John Bolden, M.D., joined the medical staff at Morris Hospital &
Healthcare Centers two years ago as the hospital's first full-time
infectious disease physician. He is an expert in the diagnosis and
treatment of infectious diseases, including those of the sinuses,
heart, brain, lungs, urinary tract, bowel, bones and pelvic organs.
Dr. Bolden completed a fellowship in infectious disease through
the Chicago Medical School and has extensive training in general infectious disease, as well as HIV management.
Safe Food
Since warmer temperatures help bacteria multiply faster, it's
especially important to take precautions to prevent food poisoning during summer barbeques and picnics. Most common
are salmonella and E-coli (Esherichia coli), which can be
caused by undercooked meat and unpasteurized juices.
Fortunately, most food poisoning can be prevented by frequently washing hands and cooking surfaces; avoiding crosscontamination of foods and utensils; cooking foods to their
proper temperature; and promptly refrigerating leftovers.
According to Dr. Bolden, when it comes to food poisoning,
you can't be too overcautious.
“If you have any doubts about whether a food is safe for
consuming, the best rule is to throw it away,” he says.
While most bouts of food poisoning run their course in a
couple days, certain symptoms may signal the need for medical help, including high fever and severe vomiting, which can
lead to dehydration.
Tetanus Protection
It's fairly common knowledge that stepping on a rusty nail or
experiencing a puncture wound can cause a potentially
life-threatening tetanus infection. Many people don't realize
tetanus bacteria can also enter the body through a tiny
pinprick, a scratch from an animal, a splinter, or even a bug
bite. That's why it's important to stay current on the tetanus
immunization throughout life.
“The best defense against tetanus is prevention through
immunization,” Dr. Bolden says. Tetanus is part of the childhood immunization series, and after that, adolescents should
get a booster tetanus shot between ages 11 and 18. Adults
should receive a routine tetanus booster shot every 10 years.
If you do step on a nail or suffer a wound that's deep and
dirty, and you aren't up-to-date on your tetanus shot, Dr.
Bolden advises rinsing the wound with tap water and seeking
immediate medical attention.
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. . .
wellness activities
On-line registration is
available for classes with a
Please go to
www.morrishospital.org.
JUST FOR KIDS
HEALTH SCREENINGS
Camp 911
This fun and informative 3-hour emergency preparedness fair is for 4th, 5th and 6th grade students. Hospital staff, along with members of the
Morris Police Department, local Fire
Departments, EMS agencies, and Grundy County
Sheriff's Department, will provide demonstrations and activities to acquaint children with
possible emergency situations and procedures.
Participants will also receive first aid instruction.
Friday, June 15, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. at Morris
Hospital. To register, call (815) 942-2932, ext.
7363. ($10)
Skin Cancer Screening
Skin cancer is the most common of all cancers,
and fortunately, it can be found early through a
simple skin examination. The American Cancer
Society recommends a skin exam by a doctor or
qualified health professional as part of a routine cancer checkup. Morris Hospital will offer
a free skin cancer screening in conjunction with
plastic surgeon Tripti Burt, M.D. A limited number of appointments are available.
Thursday, May 10, 4-6 p.m. at the Morris
Healthcare Center, 1345 Edwards Street. To
schedule an appointment, call (815) 942-2932,
ext. 7364. (Free)
Babysitter's Training Course
Designed for youths age 11 and older, this
course can help babysitters interview for a
babysitting job, choose safe and age-appropriate toys and games, perform first aid, learn diapering and feeding techniques, handle bedtime
issues, and learn tips for having a safe babysitting experience. Participants should bring a lifesize doll or stuffed animal to class.
Wednesday, June 20 or Friday, July 20, 9 a.m.3 p.m. at Morris Hospital. To register, call
(815) 942-2932, extension 7363. ($30 includes
lunch)
EXERCISE CLASSES
A variety of exercise classes are offered at
the Diagnostic & Rehabilitative Center
of Morris Hospital, 100 Gore Road, Suite H,
Morris, including Fit for Life Circuit Class,
Fitness in Sitting, Gentle Yoga, Pilates,
Toning & Body Sculpting and Yoga.
For dates, times and fees, go to
www.morrishospital.org, or call (815)
942-2932, ext. 7364.
HEALTH TALK
Knee Resurfacing and Rapid Recovery
Program
If you are facing knee replacement surgery, a
new breakthrough procedure called knee resurfacing may be an option for you. Keith Rezin,
M.D., orthopedic surgeon, will explain how this
procedure replaces the diseased portion of the
knee, leaving healthy areas intact. Dr. Rezin will
also discuss the Rapid Recovery Program, which
focuses on the comprehensive care necessary for
a quick recovery.
Tuesday, May 15, 6-7 p.m. To register, call (815)
942-2932, ext. 7364. (Free)
Cardiovascular Disease: You've Got
Questions, We've Got Answers!
A panel of experts will answer your questions
regarding angina, heart attacks, stress testing,
angiograms, heart disease treatment, medications, and lifestyle management. The panel will
include a cardiovascular patient educator, registered dietitian, pharmacist, and cardiovascular
services manager.
Monday, May 14, 6-7 p.m. at Morris Hospital
(optional Heart to Heart Support Group meets
from 7-8 p.m.) To register, call (815) 942-2932,
ext. 7832. (Free)
WOMEN’S
HEALTH
“Look Good, Feel Better®”
For women undergoing cancer
treatment, this special program is designed to teach
beauty techniques to help
overcome the appearancerelated side effects of
chemotherapy and radiation
treatment. Trained, volunteer
cosmetologists teach women
how to cope with skin changes
and hair loss using cosmetics
and skin care products donated by the cosmetic industry.
Free cosmetic kits are provided
to participants.
Wednesday, July 11, 4-6 p.m. at
Morris Hospital. To register,
call (815) 364-8915. (Free)
DIABETES
MANAGEMENT
Diabetes Management
Workshops
Presented by a registered
nurse, dietitian or pharmacist,
this workshop covers specific
techniques for managing diabetes and controlling the disease process and is intended
for individuals who are newly
diagnosed with diabetes, as
well as those who have had
the disease for several years.
Spanish translation is available upon request.
Tuesdays, June 5, 6:30-8 p.m.;
July 3, 10-11:30 a.m.; or
August 7, 3:30-5 p.m. at
Morris Hospital. To register,
call (815) 942-2932, ext.
7362. (Free)
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5
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for continued health and healing
CHILDBIRTH AND FAMILY CLASSES
The Gift of Parenthood (Prenatal)
This six-week series will help educate and assist
expectant mothers and their support partners
before, during and after the baby's birth. Topics of
discussion include nutrition, exercise, body
changes, breathing techniques (Lamaze and
Bradley methods), labor, comfort measures and
tools, pain management options, birth and postpartum. The last class will cover care of the newborn
and breastfeeding.
Wednesdays, May 9-June 13, June 20-July 25,
August 1-September 5, 6:30-9 p.m. at Morris
Hospital. To register, call (815) 942-2932, ext.
7301. ($50)
COMMUNITY SERVICES
Patient Transportation
Morris Hospital's free patient transportation service
provides non-emergent rides to the hospital or other
health-related appointments for individuals living in
the 18 communities served by Morris Hospital. The
specially-equipped transportation vehicles are wheelchair accessible. Rides are available on a first call
basis and should be scheduled at least 48 hours in
advance.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, call (815) 942-2932, ext. 7250 or
(1-877) 743-3123.
Lifeline®
For individuals who would like peace-of-mind knowing they can summon emergency help from home at
any time of day or night with the simple push of a
button, Morris Hospital offers Lifeline®, a personal
emergency response system. The fee is $25 a month,
along with a one-time $35 installation fee.
For more information, call (815) 942-2932,
ext. 7251.
Weekend Prenatal
The Weekend Prenatal classes allow expectant parents to receive all of the content and benefits of the
Gift of Parenthood class series in one weekend.
Saturday & Sunday, May 12 & 13 or June 2 & 3,
9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Morris Hospital. To register, call
(815) 942-2932, ext. 7301. ($50)
New Siblings
This fun class is for the children in the family preparing to welcome a new brother or sister. Siblings-tobe will learn how a newborn baby looks and acts
and what happens while mom and baby are in the
hospital. Activities, discussion and a tour of the
birthing suites is used to help them feel a part of
the experience. Each child should bring a doll or
stuffed animal.
Thursday, May 10, June 14, July 12 or August 9,
6-7 p.m. at Morris Hospital. To register, call (815)
942-2932, ext. 7301. ($10 per child)
CPR CLASSES
Heartsaver AED (Adult, Infant, Child)
Participants will learn the basic techniques of
adult, child and infant CPR and use of an automated external defibrillator (AED), as well as first aid
for choking.
Tuesday, May 15 or June 12, or Friday, August 3,
12-3:30 p.m., or Monday, May 7, or Tuesday, June
26 or August 28, 6-8:30 p.m. at Morris Hospital. To
register, call (815) 942-2932, ext. 7363. ($55)
CPR for the Healthcare Provider
Intended for licensed and certified healthcare professionals, this course teaches the skills of CPR for victims of all ages, use of an automated external defibrillator (AED), and relief of foreign-body airway
obstruction.
Thursday, July 12 or August 2, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. at
Morris Hospital. To register, call (815) 942-2932,
ext. 7363. ($65)
Morris Hospital Auxiliary
Monday
June 25, 2007
Golf Outing & Bridge/Euchre Tournament
This fun and memorable day includes:
• 18 holes of golf • Bridge/Euchre Tournament
• Delicious grilled t-bone pork chop dinner
Proceeds will benefit Morris Hospital’s Lifeline® Program and Patient Transportation Services.
To receive an invitation, call the Morris Hospital Auxiliary office at (815) 942-2932, ext. 7021.
FREE SUPPORT
GROUPS
Heart to Heart Support Group
For anyone interested in learning more
about heart health --particularly those
who have had a heart attack, angioplasty, and/or coronary artery bypass surgery, and their families.
For meeting dates, call (815) 942-2932,
ext. 7832.
Mom-to-Mom Breastfeeding
Sharing Group
Provides breastfeeding moms a chance
to meet other moms, share experiences
and ideas.
Meets the first Wednesday of every
month from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. at Morris
Hospital. For more information, call
(815) 942-2932, ext. 7301.
Multiple Sclerosis Support Group
For individuals with Multiple Sclerosis
and their family members.
Meets the first Thursday of every month
from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. at Morris Hospital.
For more information, call (815) 9425284.
Alzheimer's Caregiving
Support Group
For families and caregivers of
Alzheimers patients.
Meets the first and third Wednesday of
each month from 1-3 p.m. at Morris
Hospital. For more information, call
(815) 941-4223.
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Pediatric
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services
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Caring for kids
T
here's nothing more precious to parents than their children.
When a child is sick or injured, it helps to have specialized
medical services for infants and children available close to
home. Morris Hospital & Healthcare Centers is committed to
serving the youngest of patients and their families.
Level II Nursery
Morris Hospital achieved designation as a Level II Nursery in 2004. As a
result, many babies who have required specialized care following birth
have been able to stay closer to their families.
“Being a Level II Nursery means the Illinois Department of Public Health
has given us approval to care for newborns with a wide variety of special
needs,” explains Theresa Whillock, R.N., manager of the Family Birthing
Suites at Morris Hospital & Healthcare Centers.
As a Level II Nursery, Morris Hospital has the equipment and specially
trained staff to care for babies who require special monitoring, feeding
assistance, and medications.
“Even when a baby requires a higher level of care and has to be transferred, parents usually request that the baby returns to us as soon as
possible,” says Whillock. “It's much easier for families when they don't
have to travel far to be with their baby.”
Pediatric Unit
When children enter the Pediatric Unit at Morris Hospital, they are
greeted by their favorite animated characters, painted on a custom mural
lining both sides of the hallway from floor to ceiling. Each pediatric
patient room is decorated with a different kid-friendly theme. It's all
part of Morris Hospital's family-centered approach to care.
In addition to the availablity of specialized staff and equipment, the
Pediatric Unit also features a playroom to provide diverse activities for
young patients.
“Being in a hospital can be scary for children, and we want to do everything we can to make our pediatric patients feel at home during their
hospital stay,” says Pat Schultz, R.N., manager of Pediatrics at Morris
Hospital & Healthcare Centers.
“We recognize that the family is a child's primary source of strength and
comfort, and we always encourage and invite parents to participate in
their child's care. No one knows their children better than the parents,”
she says.
Parents play an integral role in their child’s care on the Pediatric Unit.
Emergency Department Approved for Pediatrics
As a Level II Nursery, Morris Hospital provides a higher level of care for newborns.
Visits to the emergency room are fairly common for kids. As an
Emergency Department Approved for Pediatrics (EDAP), Morris Hospital is
committed to providing the special training, equipment and supplies that
are necessary to provide the best possible care for pediatric patients.
“Children are not small adults, and they really do require specialized
medical care,” says Mary Roy, R.N., manager of the Emergency
Department at Morris Hospital & Healthcare Centers. “We are proud to
be recognized by the State of Illinois for having the resources and capabilities that are needed to address the emergency needs of critically ill
and injured children.”
There are more than 15 pediatricians and family practice physicians on the
medical staff at Morris Hospital & Healthcare Centers, with office locations
in Braidwood, Coal City, Dwight, Gardner, Marseilles, Minooka, Morris and
Seneca. For a directory of physicians, go to www.morrishospital.org or call
(815) 942-2932, ext. 1457.
healthsource
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health briefs
WELCOME NEW PHYSICIANS
Ophthalmology
Samra W. Hashmi, M.D.
1051 Essington, Suite 200, Joliet
(815) 729-3777
1301 Copperfield, Suite 113, Joliet
(815) 723-1854
A TOP 100 HOSPITAL!
orris Hospital & Healthcare
Centers is proud to be named
one of the nation's 100 Top
Hospitals® by Solucient®, a
leading provider of information and solutions
to improve the cost and quality of healthcare.
The award means Morris Hospital has been
recognized as an overall top performer when
compared to other hospitals in the nation.
M
Being a 100 Top Hospital award winner indicates that Morris Hospital & Healthcare
Centers produces solid patient outcomes, has
good patient safety, and provides efficient
care at a reasonable cost. In addition, 100 Top
Hospitals are recognized for being well-managed and having a growing number of
patients seeking care.
“This is a tremendous honor for Morris
Hospital & Healthcare Centers and is especially significant because it tells our patients that
we are performing well compared to national
standards,” says Clifford Corbett, President &
CEO. “Our top priority is ensuring that Morris
Hospital is an excellent place for patients to
receive care. We are very proud of our staff,
physicians, and board of directors for their
commitment to quality, safety and overall
excellence.”
Solucient performs the study annually at its
own expense to share the new standards
being set by the hospital industry, enabling
other hospitals to improve their own hospital-wide performance. This is the second time
Morris Hospital has been named a Solucient
Top 100 Hospital.
Urology
Luke S. Cho, M.D.
375 N. Walls St., #P-530, Kankakee
(815) 937-4006
1345 N. Edward St., Morris
(815) 941-1517
Wound Care & Hyperbaric Medicine
Frank R. DiMaria, D.O.
150 W. High Street, Morris
(815) 942-2932, ext. 1520
ANNOUNCING BABY'S ARRIVAL
I
f you're at Morris Hospital and
hear the Lullaby tune, it's okay to
pause, smile, and ooh and aah for
a moment. That sweet and special
sound is our way of announcing that a
baby has just been born in our Family
Birthing Suites.
“Hospitals really are unique places
because there's such a variety of
activity taking place around every
corner,” says Theresa Whillock, R.N.,
manager of the Family Birthing Suites
at Morris Hospital & Healthcare
Centers. “The sound of Lullaby is a
gentle way to announce that new life
has just begun. It tends to make
everyone stop and put things in
perspective for a moment.
The response from staff and
visitors has been very
positive.”
Another way new moms who
deliver at Morris Hospital
can share their happy news
is through the new WebNursery.
Accessible through the
Morris Hospital website,
www.morrishospital.org,
the WebNursery is offered
in collaboration with
Growing Family and is free to all moms
who choose to participate. For safety
and security reasons, babies are identified by first name, last initial and birth
date. For added security, each baby's
individual web page is password protected so the parents can control who
has access. The individual web pages
can include the baby's photo, weight
and length, time of birth, and message
board from well-wishers.
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7
althy
For minor illness and injuries,
there’s Immediate Care.
( Cuts )
( Swelling )
( Sprains )
( Bumps )
It might not be an “emergency,” but that doesn’t mean it can wait. Morris Hospital offers
IMMEDIATE CARE SERVICES
Immediate Care Services at the Diagnostic & Rehabilitative Center just north of Interstate 80.
appointment. With on-site laboratory and x-ray testing, Morris Hospital’s Immediate Care
HOURS: MON - FRI, 8 AM - 8 PM
NO APPOINTMENT NECESSARY
815.364.8919
Services offers the care and convenience that brings peace of mind.
100 West Gore Road, Morris, IL 60450
*Morris Hospital is pleased to have the EPIC Group providing physician services for Immediate Care.
Located in Heritage Plaze, just north of
Interstate 80 and west of Route 47.
Here, patients of all ages are seen by a board certified emergency physician*....without an
a health magazine for today's living
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Non-Profit Org.
U.S. Postage
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PAID
healthsource is written and produced
as a community service by
Morris Hospital & Healthcare Centers.
The information presented is not intended to treat, diagnose or prevent any health condition. Always seek the
advice of your physician or other qualified health care
provider. The doctors featured are independent physicians with staff privileges.
Clifford L. Corbett, President & CEO
Brian D. Jepson, Chief Operating Officer
Janet Long, Editor
w w w. m o r r i s h o s p i t a l . o r g
Morris Hospital
150 West High Street
Morris, IL 60450